Taking your boys to visit battlefields helps bring history to life. They can see the real places these victories (or losses) happened, and maybe even reenact them.
The DMV is filled with battlefields from America’s early days. Here are five of the best to visit within two hours of DC.
1) Gettysburg, PA
- Location of the Civil War’s most pivotal battle
- Beautiful countryside around the small town
- Rock scrambles to burn off energy (especially Devil’s Den)
- 2 hours away, making it a full-day trip
2) Antietam, MD
- Significant local battlefield
- Stone observation tower to climb
- About 2 hours away
- Stop at Harper’s Ferry on the way back for interesting scenery and a quaint town
3) Fort Washington, MD
- Just down the river from DC
- Didn’t see action in the Civil War because the fortifications deterred attacks
- A classic brick fort where you can go down into the powder magazine or climb the brick walls
- Kids’ favorite
- A half day is all you need to see everything
4) Manassas, VA
- An easy hour-long jaunt down I-66
- Two battles were fought here
- Classic Virginia battlefield look
- Huge Stonewall Jackson statue
- Stop at the free National Firearms Museum on the way back
5) Fredericksburg, VA
- About 2 hours away on I-95
- The sight of an urban battle in and around Fredericksburg
- Area highlights include George Washington’s childhood home and a monument to Stonewall Jack’s arm
- The nearby free Marine Corps Museum is a great pit stop with abundant free parking and clean restrooms.
If you only do three, choose Gettysburg, Manassas, and Fort Washington for the best experiences.
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