Time Traveling: Planning Your Next Civil War Visit, Part IV

Backpack or no, a good place to begin your visit to a battlefield park is at the park visitors center. Some will be more modest than others depending on the park and their resources. Regardless, this is where you can gain an overview of the battle, the events leading up to it, and a little about some of the people involved.

Displays may include artifacts recovered from the field over the years, and/or personal effects of soldiers or civilians. Many parks also have a brief film that you can watch, which, again, is a good way to get an overview of the events surrounding that particular battle.

Virtually all visitors centers will also have some sort of gift shop and book store, either there in the center or very near by. So you will not lack for chances to spend your money!

This is also a good chance for you to approach some of the park rangers or volunteers and ask any questions you may have. Remember, these folks are there to help you. You want to be respectful of their time of course, but if you do have questions or need help with something, don't hesitate to ask. That's why they are there.

The visitors center will also be where you can pick up a map of the park if you do not already have one, and learn about any entrance fees. Information on upcoming activities will usually be posted near the main desk. Or if not, you can simply ask what might be planned around the park for that day.

Be sure to take one of the maps - it is your guide around the park. Every park will have some sort of self-guided driving and/or walking tour, which will hit on what are considered the main points for that battle. The tour stops will usually be numbered, and will correspond to the numbered stops listed on your map.

(The main tour is usually a great starting point. But it rarely will cover everything. So if you have time, you should definitely try to take some side trips off the main tour. Doing so will give you the chance to see areas of the park that most visitors never get out to.)

Some parks also have pre-recorded tour tapes that you can rent for a small fee and take with you in your vehicle as you tour the battlefield. Ask about these at the main desk. They can be another great way to gain a better understanding of a battle.

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