Richmond National Battlefield Park

Richmond National Battlefield Park protects a series of Civil War sites around the Confederate capital. Richmond sat at the head of navigation on the James River, about 110 miles from Washington, and served as the Confederacy's political center, a medical and manufacturing hub, and a main supply depot. Union armies launched seven major drives against it. The park commemorates the Seven Days' Battles of 1862, the Cold Harbor fighting of 1864, and five lesser operations. Its units include Chickahominy Bluff, Beaver Dam Creek, the restored Watt House at Gaines' Mill, Cold Harbor, Malvern Hill, Fort Harrison, Fort Brady, Drewry's Bluff and Parker's Battery. Well-preserved trenches and earthworks survive at several of them. A 78-mile driving tour links the areas, and the National Park Service interprets them with markers, exhibits and visitor centers. In 1980 a proposal was made to add 201 acres in Henrico County to recognize the New Market Heights battle and the role of black soldiers.