Our final itinerary in our Brand USA spotlight, is their Civil War Battlegrounds suggested itinerary. This road trip itinerary visits the close neighbouring states of Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, which can be done in a short period of time and is ideal for holidaymakers on an east-coast break and who want to soak up places of historical significance.
Brand USA suggest starting this road trip in Washington, D.C. which is easily done by making use of the direct flights from Ireland. The first suggested stop is the Lincoln Memorial at the National Mall, which pays tribute to the USA’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. A stop at Arlington National Cemetery on the grounds of Arlington House is also suggested. The cemetery was established during the 1861-1865 Civil War and has remained a military cemetery ever since.
The next suggested stop on this itinerary is Manassas National Battlefield Park, which lies just north of Manassas, Virginia. This important site commemorates two battles which took place in 1861 and 1862 between the Union and Confederation armies. Those familiar with US history may have heard of Confederate Gen. Thomas Jackson, and this is where he earned the nickname of ‘Stonewall’. This road trip itinerary recommends driving south to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, otherwise known as ‘America’s Battleground’. Four civil wars were fought here, and this is also where the war came to its climax. Richmond, Virginia – the capital of the Confederate States of America at the time – is an absolute must-visit on this trip and history buffs are advised to visit Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Before leaving Richmond, this itinerary recommends visiting the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. Walker was born to a former slave and later became a prominent civil-rights activist as well as the first African American woman to charter a bank. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park offer breath-taking scenery and some respite from Civil War history. This itinerary suggests taking in the Skyline Drive or staying a while to traverse the 800 kilometers of rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife and outstanding views.
This itinerary suggests leaving Shenendoah National Park and stepping back in time at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park which is brimming with battlefields, museums, hiking trails and old-fashioned taverns and shops. The park was also the site of the famous abolitionist uprising of 1859, led by John Brown. Moving on, it is recommended to stop at Gettysburg National Military Park which was the site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, which was a turning point for the Union in the Civil War and was the inspiration for Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
It is suggested to return to Washington, D.C. and visit the African American Civil War Memorial as well as a stop at Ford’s Theatre. A tour of the museum is recommended, as it tells the story of the fateful night in 1865 when Lincoln was assassinated. Washington, D.C. has a lot more to offer holidaymakers so it is worthwhile staying longer to explore the US’s capital.
To read the full itinerary, complete with dining recommendations and stops on route, click here. Check out Brand USA’s website to access rights-free images and videos, the USA Discovery Program and more suggested roadtrip itineraries.
Sunway Holidays offer a starting package price from €1,479pp* based on 2 adults sharing.
Including: Return flights with checked bags, car hire and 6-nights accommodation (2 x Washington, D.C., 1 x Richmond, 1 x Shenendoah NP, 1 x Gettsyburg, 1 x Washington, D.C.)
Sunway Quote Ref: IV1177768
*Prices are subject to change
