More Civil War battles were fought in the Capital Region than anywhere else in America.
Civil War Trails across Virginia and Maryland bring the stories of these battles and those who fought them to life on the very grounds were the action took place.
Walk in a soldier’s footsteps across the battlefields of Virginia and Maryland, attend Civil War related events, or don 1800s garb and take part in a battle reenactment. Visit the many historic churches, homes, museums and cemeteries while making your way along the trails.
In Maryland, the Civil War is best explored in the footsteps of generals, on the heels of an assassin and by understanding the stories of the citizens who survived the conflict. Four carefully mapped driving tours link together a collection of both well-known and less-known sites from Baltimore City, throughout the Chesapeake Region, Southern Maryland and into Western Maryland.
* Antietam Campaign
Follow the routes of Union and Confederate soldiers in September 1862 as they marched through Maryland toward what would be the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single day of battle in American history. The route begins with Robert E. Lee crossing the Potomac River into Maryland at Whites Ford, then moving quickly toward Frederick, through Middletown to South Mountain and on to Antietam battlefield.
* Gettysburg Campaign
This trail encompasses both invasion and retreat: Cavalry Tour, Union Advance Tour, Confederate Advance Tour and Retreat Tour.
* Booth Escape Route
Follow an interpreted driving tour along John Wilkes Booth’s escape route from Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC (April 14, 1865) after shooting President Lincoln, to the location of his capture and death in Virginia 12 days later. The tour follows Route 5 out of Washington into Maryland then joins US 301 South into Virginia. Nine Civil War Trails signs mark significant stops on the route.
* Baltimore Region
This Civil War Trails tour covers the Baltimore city story as well as area themes involving African Americans, the all-important railroads and a variety of activity on the northern shores of the Chesapeake Bay.