Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War with These Special Programs
Experience the significance of the Peninsula Campaign in Jamestown and Williamsburg
The sesquicentennial of the American Civil War has a particular significance to the Williamsburg area. While the American Revolution was fought here to create one unified democratic nation, less than 100 years later this area was enveloped in a conflict dividing North and South.
Williamsburg Civil War Tour
Fridays, March 15–June 15, 2012
7, 7:20, 7:40, 8:20, 8:40, 9 p.m.
Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
Tickets are $12 for adults and youths (ages 6–17),
$6 for children under 6.
Please call 1-800-447-8679 to make reservations.
The old colonial capital of Williamsburg played an important part in the American Civil War. In addition to serving as headquarters for the Confederate Army and later for the Union Army, it experienced a tragic battle on its doorstep. Join in a tour of the major Civil War sites of the town, meet people who were here, and learn more about Williamsburg’s role in this heartrending period of America’s history.
Un-Civil Harmony: Music of the Civil War
Wednesdays, April 4–June 13, 2012
7 p.m.
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Tickets are $12 for adults and youths (ages 6–17), $6 for children under 6.
The Civil War shook our nation and tore us apart 150 years ago. Hear the stories and music of Williamsburg and America when we were at war with ourselves.
Women of the Civil War
Sundays, April 1 to June 17, 2012
7, 7:20, 7:40, 8:20, 8:40, 9 p.m.
DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Tickets are $12 for adults and youths (ages 6–17), $6 for children under 6.
Near the start of the Civil War, Williamsburg endured hardship and loss with a battle outside the town, followed by three years of military occupation. The one-hour walking tour explores the effect of the Civil War on the lives of the women of Williamsburg.
Civil War Archaeology at Historic Jamestowne
Archaeologists for Jamestown Rediscovery continue to uncover the remains of a Confederate bomb shelter that was part of Fort Pocahontas, one of five forts constructed on Jamestown Island during the Civil War. (Archaeologists first explored the fort and earthworks in 2004–2005.) In the shelter, they uncovered sandbag markings and wooden beams that supported the roof. The shelter was about 12 feet wide and at least 18 feet long.
Fort Pocahontas never came under attack, but soil markings and lots of nails pointing downward indicate the shelter collapsed at some point. The fort was abandoned without a fight on May 3, 1862, and the troops retreated to a position nearer to Richmond after burning the powder magazines and gun carriages.
These Civil War evening programs are presented jointly by Historic Jamestowne and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
