Summer 1862: The Occupation of Fredericksburg
During the summer of 1862, Union soldiers occupied Fredericksburg and experienced life around people whose perspectives on the war were vastly different from their own. For Fredericksburg’s civilians, the occupation put a spotlight on war’s ability to impact a community and be a catalyst for change. This program explores the ways the 1862 occupation of Fredericksburg challenged the assumptions of soldiers and civilians about the nature of the Civil War and shaped how they understood their place in it.
Stationary program on the Chatham lawn; bring a lawn chair or blanket; park at Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.
History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles. Participants are recommended to bring bug spray and water and to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
