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Days of
Blue and Gray
dave bodle n spring 1861 our nation and its territories entered a four-year conflict that would become the bloodiest war in our history. Regardless of your views on the causes of the Civil War—slavery, state’s rights or a combination of both—it remains our country’s darkest moment. The American Civil War took its toll on the lives of our citizens, destroying families and often pitching brother against brother. Approximately 620,000, or 13 percent of the nation’s men, perished in battle or from disease. Countless others were disabled and eventually died from their wounds. The cost of the Civil War in terms of human life exceeds the total of the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican American
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War, Spanish American War, World War One, World War Two, Korean War and Vietnam War. This year our nation will examine the 150th anniversary of this tragic event’s beginning and continue the observance for four more years. Virtually every state and American territory were involved in the Civil War. However, with a few notable exceptions (Gettysburg and Antietam), most of the battles were fought on Confederate soil. To varying degrees, every Southern state will commemorate the war’s sesquicentennial. Virginia will begin its observance in July 2011 by remembering the first major battle, the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run. Richmond, Fredericksburg and the
In northwestern Georgia, the oldest Civil War national military park recalls the 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, the last major Confederate victory.
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
A drummer boy receives instruction at Shiloh battlefield in Tennessee.
Southern states and tour organizers are gearing up for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War Georgia Department of Economic Development
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Georgia Department of Economic Development
Explore POW issues at Andersonville National Historic Site in Georgia.
Shenandoah Valley all played a significant role in the conflict and have events planned. West Virginia begins marking major events culminating in the 1863 formation of the only state created as a direct result of the war. A new and expanded North Carolina Civil War Trails map has just been released. Included are the final steps of Sherman’s March and General George Stoneman’s raiders’ “Cold Mountain” territory activities. Sherman also left his destructive mark on Columbia, S.C. The state capital was severely punished for those first shots fired at Fort Sumter in Charleston. Plantations along the coast and the Rice Museum in Georgetown depict why slave labor was necessary to the South’s agrarian economy. The Blue and Gray Trail takes visitors through northwest Georgia from Chattanooga to Atlanta and some of the most dramatic events of the Civil War. Here you’ll find the route for “The Great Locomotive Chase” of 1862 and the site of the second largest battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga. In Arkansas the Hindman Hall Museum at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is scheduled to open this summer after extensive renovations. When the Confederates withdrew from the 1862 Battle of Prairie Grove, it was clear that Missouri and northwest Arkansas would remain in Union hands. LeisureGroupTravel.com
Though a slave state, Kentucky declined to secede from the Union. Both the Confederate and Union armies considered Kentucky a must-have. Kentucky was the birthplace of both Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. Tennessee, like an umbrella, protected the Deep South states. Any invasion of Georgia, Mississippi or Alabama had to
go through Tennessee. Second only to Virginia in the number of battles fought within her borders, Tennessee is rich in Civil War history. One of the turning points of the Civil War was the siege and eventual loss of Vicksburg, Miss. With the South divided, no longer were blockade runners able to get supplies west of the Mississippi River to Confederate forces. Corinth has the Civil War Interpretive Center and the Contraband Camp, both unlike any other Civil War attraction. Although not the scene of any significant military action, Alabama contributed more than 120,000 men to Confederate service—almost all of the state’s white males capable of bearing arms. The Union blockade of Mobile Bay was devastating to both Alabama and the Confederate cause. For many tour operators, offering Civil War themed product may be challenging. Here are a few thoughts to
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their traditional offerings. There is so much information available about the American Civil War. How to wade get us started: The first step is deterthrough that input and determine mine if your clients are full-fledged what’s group-friendly is the question. history junkies or just interested in This writer’s recommendation is to learning a little more about this imporrely on professionals who have been tant chapter in American history. Is a there, done that and already have the Tmulti-day tour (campaign) the way to shirt. I suggest using a receptive operago, or are we simply looking for a stop tor or tour operator that is well versed on the way? in the American Civil War. They’ve alRegarding the latter, it’s my thought ready put a product together to add a piece of Civil War hisand can customize with ease. tory to every itinerary, where an They’ll know if a re-enactment appropriate attraction exists. A at a battlefield is group-friendly. trip to Nashville might include They’ve worked with the storya visit to the Tennessee State tellers who portray period charMuseum and its impressive acters. display and explanation of the For years Stars and Stripes Battle of Nashville. Likewise, a Tours has been providing onetour to the Atlanta area would to three-day tours of Gettysinclude a visit to the Atlanta burg. The itinerary is fine-tuned Cyclorama & Civil War Muand proven. From Abraham seum. Of course, a visit to VirWest Virginia Department of Commerce/Steve Shaluta Lincoln delivering the Gettysginia should absolutely include John Brown Wax Museum in Harpers Ferry burg Address to a soldier hosta stop in Richmond and the chronicles the life of the famous abolitionist. ing your campfire dinner and Virginia Historical Society. sharing his feelings, you can be assured seums, attractions and events. The place Through Dec. 30, 2011, An American your customers will have a memorable to start is the state tourism offices. Turning Point: The Civil War in Virexperience. Many have websites dedicated to the ginia will be on display. Civil War Tours will help plan and Civil War Sesquicentennial. Local Introducing a Civil War character to develop your tour and offer suggestions DMOs can to provide specific profiles your group can be both informative and on how to fill your coach. It is the only on attractions and events in their area. entertaining. In West Virginia, Rick company endorsed by the Civil War For groups whose interest is piqued Garland does a great Gen. J.E.B. Stuart Trails in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryby events of historical significance, a as a step-on guide. In Gainesville, Ga., land, North Carolina, West Virginia multi-day Civil War experience is cerJoe Whitaker does group tours to sites and Kentucky. tainly a worthy product. The challenge associated with Gen. James Longstreet. “We’ll do so much more than simply for tour operators is developing and reThe Ben Lomond House in Manassas, take you to a museum or battlefield,” fining a tour that has not been a part of Va., a Confederate hospital during the said Cathy Strite, president of Civil War Tours. “Groups want to participate in the experience.” Personal visits from period characters, special dinners at museums and sites, and guides with a deep knowledge all contribute to a successful tour. Planning for the 150th anniversary commemoration began in early 2009. Many exhibits and events are taking place as you read this article. Now is the time to provide your clients with the American Civil War experience. LGT 28 April 2011
First Battle of Manassas, will provide doctors and nurses to share their experiences. Joseph McGill of the Charleston, S.C. office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has slept in numerous slave quarters to bring to light the plight of African-Americans prior to the Civil War. His story is fascinating. Virtually every Southern state is rich with sites that mark both large and small battles and trails filled with mu-
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