The United States packed a lot of rich history into a few hundred years. While the country made leaps and strides of progress in that time, it’s also checkered with bloody wars. Today, history buffs can learn about these battles in person where it all happened. Those looking to get in touch with this history should visit these 15 battlegrounds right here in the U.S.
First Battle of Bull Run
Visit the Federal supply base of Manassas in Virginia to learn more about both the First and Second Battle of Bull Run. The first battle took place in July of 1861. This was the first major land battle of the Civil War. The second battle took place in August of 1862 and led to the first invasion of the North.
Siege of Yorktown
The Siege of Yorktown took place in Yorktown, Virginia. It was a joint land and sea campaign led by future president George Washington. From September 28th – October 19th, 1781, American and French forces entrapped English troops led by British General Lord Cornwallis. This was the final major conflict of the Revolutionary War.
Battles of Lexington and Concord
On April 19, 1775, the famous “shot heard round the world” took place at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. This was the first time colonial militiamen engaged the Redcoats on the Lexington town green. The conflict marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the United States as we know it today.
Siege of Vicksburg
Confederate stronghold Vicksburg, Mississippi was the stage for the Siege of Vicksburg from May 18th – July 4th, 1863. General Ulysses S. Grant and the Union forces successfully divided the Confederates. From here, the Union gained control of the Mississippi River allowing them to cut off vital supply lines to the South.
Battle of Shiloh
From April 6th – 7th, 1862, the Battle of Shiloh broke out in Hardin County, Tennessee, near the Tennessee River. It started when Confederate soldiers caught the Union by surprise, inflicting a major blow to the North. With 23,000-plus total casualties, the battle was the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War.
Battle of Perryville
The Battle of Perryville took place in Perryville, Kentucky, during the American Civil War. Major General Don Carlos Buell led Union soldiers into victory in the largest battle fought in Kentucky. This ensured that the state remained in Union hands for the rest of the war. While this was a strategic advantage for the Union, Confederate soldiers were able to escape the conflict with minimal casualties.
Battle of Trenton
Three battles took place from December 1776 – January 1777 in central New Jersey, on the Delaware River. Over the course of 10 days, General George Washington’s army won the Battle of Trenton, Second Trenton, and the battle of Princeton. These three key battles helped American forces regain control of New Jersey.
Stonewall’s Attack at Harper’s Ferry
Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson gave Union forces a run for their money at Harper’s Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Confederate soldiers captured the garrison, bringing about the largest Union surrender of the Civil War. They also captured 73 artillery pieces, 13,000 rifles, and more than 12,000 men.
Battle of Saratoga
From September – October 1777, the Battle of Saratoga took place in Saratoga County, New York. American forces won two critical engagements here, marking a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. After this battle, not only was American morale lifted but French, Spanish, and Dutch forces were also convinced to join the Patriots’ cause.
Battle of Baltimore
The Battle of Baltimore took place from September 12th – 14th, 1814 during the War of 1812. During this conflict, British forces attempted to capture Baltimore, Maryland. They were repelled after a fierce fight. This infamous battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner”, the United States’ national anthem.
Sherman vs Confederate Army of Tennessee
On June 27, 1864, Union Major General William T. Sherman launched a massive frontal assault against the Confederate Army of Tennessee. The battle ultimately ended in a crushing defeat for the Union forces. But it didn’t stop Sherman from eventually advancing on Atlanta, Georgia. This battle along with a series of others were a strategic attempt to slowly break down Southern infrastructure and morale.
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War. Fought from July 1st – 3rd, 1863, this pivotal battle erupted between forces led by Union General George G. Meade and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Ultimately, Union forces won the battle leading to a turning point in the war, but the cost was more than 51,000 total casualties.
Cold Harbor
From May 31st to June 12th, 1864, the Battle of Cold Harbor took place in Hanover County, Virginia. General Ulysses S. Grant attempted to capture Richmond from the Confederate forces. The end result was a devastating defeat with heavy casualties on the Union side. Within just a few hours, 7,000 Union soldiers were killed, captured, or wounded.
Battle of Chickamauga
The Battle of Chickamauga took place from September 18th – 20th, 1863 just south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Southern forces defeated the Union Army after they were pushed out of the area earlier that month. This was the second bloodiest conflict of the Civil War right behind the infamous Gettysburg. Today this area is known as Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Fort Moultrie & Fort Sumter
Continental soldiers fought from a rudimentary fort on Sullivan’s Island to protect Charleston, South Carolina on June 28, 1776. The stronghold withstood an attack by nine Royal Navy warships. It later went on to be named Fort Moultrie. Roughly 85 years later, another battle took place at neighboring Fort Sumter which kicked off the Civil War.
