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Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States — Historical
North America

Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route

United States

Point-to-point
Fredericksburg Petersburg

In short: Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route is a 300 km historical road trip in United States, typically driven over 3 days, best in Spring / Fall. Highlights: Fredericksburg, Wilderness Battlefield, Spotsylvania Court House.

Distance
300 km
Duration
3 days
Best Season
Spring / Fall
Hidden GemEasyHistorical

A three-day Fredericksburg-to-Petersburg Civil War route. It samples major 1862–64 sites but does not claim to reproduce every battle of the Overland Campaign in exact sequence.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Check NPS battlefield hours, road closures, and tour schedules before departure. The three days group Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Richmond, then Petersburg; domestic-history sites are optional only after the campaign stops. Traffic and limited battlefield parking can slow the route.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania battlefields

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park · Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield · Mason-Dixon Café

Day 2Cold Harbor and Richmond

Cold Harbor Battlefield Park · Virginia State Capitol · ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque

Day 3Petersburg campaign sites

Petersburg National Battlefield Eastern Front · The Crater battlefield · Saucy's Walk-Up Bar.B.Q.

Stops along the route

Fredericksburg — City — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
City
Fredericksburg
Four major battles were fought here between 1862 and 1864. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP visitor center orients you.
Hotels
Richmond — City — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
City
Richmond
The Confederate capital. The Civil War Museum at Tredegar Iron Works and Hollywood Cemetery, with 18,000 Confederate graves, are essential.
Hotels
Petersburg — Arrival — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Arrival
Petersburg
58 km of preserved trenches from the nine-month siege. The Crater marks where Union troops detonated 4 tons of gunpowder in 1864.
Hotels

Things to Do

Wilderness Battlefield — Landmark — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Landmark
Wilderness Battlefield
Grant's Overland Campaign opened here in dense forest where the trees caught fire. May 1864: 26,000 casualties in 48 hours.
Spotsylvania Court House — Landmark — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Landmark
Spotsylvania Court House
The Bloody Angle saw 20 hours of hand-to-hand combat on 12 May 1864. Preserved earthworks still stand 2 m high after 160 years.
Cold Harbor — Landmark — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Landmark
Cold Harbor
7,000 Union soldiers fell in 20 minutes on 3 June 1864. Grant called it the one attack he always regretted ordering.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park — Historic Site — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Historic Site
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Explore battlefields and historic buildings from four major Civil War battles in this extensive park.
Chatham Manor — Historic Site — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Historic Site
Chatham Manor
A historic plantation house offering insights into Civil War history and stunning views of the Rappahannock River.
Mary Washington House — Museum — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Museum
Mary Washington House
The preserved home of George Washington's mother, showcasing 18th-century life and artifacts.
Show 1 more
Kenmore Plantation — Historic Site — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Historic Site
Kenmore Plantation
The elegant Georgian-style home of George Washington's sister, featuring restored interiors and gardens.

Where to Eat

Foode — American — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
American
Foode
Located in a historic bank building, Foode offers farm-to-table dishes emphasizing local ingredients.
Lemaire — Southern — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Southern
Lemaire
A verified Richmond option at The Jefferson Hotel on the second day; reserve if selected.
Mason-Dixon Café — Southern — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Southern
Mason-Dixon Café
A family-owned eatery serving Southern comfort food with a modern twist, popular for breakfast and brunch.
Saucy's Walk-Up Bar.B.Q. — Barbecue — Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route — United States
Barbecue
Saucy's Walk-Up Bar.B.Q.
A Petersburg meal on the actual final-day route; confirm current hours at the Fifth Street location.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route drive?

The Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route covers 300 km from start to finish.

How long does the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3 days on the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route?

The recommended season for the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route is Spring / Fall.

Where does the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route start and end?

The Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route runs from Fredericksburg to Petersburg.

What are the main stops on the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route?

The Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route passes through Fredericksburg, Wilderness Battlefield, Spotsylvania Court House.

How difficult is the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route to drive?

The Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route in a regular car?

Yes — the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route, based on its 300 km length.

Is the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route safe to drive?

Check NPS battlefield hours, road closures, and tour schedules before departure. The three days group Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Richmond, then Petersburg; domestic-history sites are optional only after the campaign stops. Traffic and limited battlefield parking can slow the route.

What scenic tier is the Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route?

The Fredericksburg to Petersburg Civil War Route is a hidden gem drive — Hidden gem road trips — quieter routes off the main travel circuit, often with the same scenery you came to see but without the crowds.