Header photo by Buddy Secor
Situated in the fertile Shenandoah Valley (often called “the Breadbasket of the Confederacy,”) Winchester was highly contested during the Civil War. Its strategic location as a hub for transportation made Winchester an attractive prize for both the North and the South. Six major battles took place here, and the town changed hands approximately 72 times – more than any other town in the country.
Visit our museums, battlefields, cemeteries and other historic sites to learn more about this pivotal time in our nation’s history, and how it affected the lives and experiences of Winchester’s residents in the 19th century.
Major Annual Civil War Events
- North-South Skirmish Association's Fall/Spring National Competitions (May and October)
- Battle of Cedar Creek Reenactment
For more information, visit our Event Calendar.
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Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park commemorates a nationally significant Civil War landscape and antebellum plantation by sharing the story of Shenandoah Valley history from early settlement through the Civil War and beyond.
- 7712 Main Street
Middletown VA 22645 - (540) 869-3051
- nps.gov/cebe
- 7712 Main Street
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Cedar Creek Battlefield
Cedar Creek Battlefield is the site of the last major battle between Union and Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley. Each year, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation hosts a reenactment of the battle on the 3rd weekend of October.
- 8437 Valley Pike
Middletown VA 22645 - (540) 869-2064
- ccbf.us
- 8437 Valley Pike
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Kernstown Battlefield
Kernstown Battlefield is the site of the First and Second Battles of Kernstown. Tours of the battlefield and the Pritchard House on the property are offered seasonally.
- 610 Battle Park Drive
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 450-7835
- kernstownbattle.org
- 610 Battle Park Drive
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Rose Hill Park
This scenic 1.25 mile walking trail is on the site of the First Battle of Kernstown and includes Civil War interpretive signage, restrooms, and a pavilion which is available for rentals.
- 1871 Jones Road
Winchester VA 22602 - (888) 556-5799
- www.themsv.org/visit/rose-hill
- 1871 Jones Road
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Star Fort
Star Fort played a major role in the defense of Winchester three times. This unique remnant of Civil War earthwork and history has been restored and offers trails and signage for visitors.
- 503 Fortress Drive
Winchester VA 22603 - (540) 740-4545
- shenandoahatwar.org
- 503 Fortress Drive
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Third Winchester Battlefield
The preserved portion of this battlefield is open to the public year-round, free of charge. A 5-mile walking/biking trail with signage details the battle that occurred here.
- 541 Redbud Road
Winchester VA 22603 - (540) 740-4545
- shenandoahatwar.org
- 541 Redbud Road
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Mount Hebron Cemetery
Mount Hebron Cemetery is a unique community institution. It is a complex of four adjoining burying grounds embraced within a common enclosure with marked graves dating from 1769.
- 305 E. Boscawen Street
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 662-4868
- mthebroncemetery.org
- 305 E. Boscawen Street
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Stonewall Confederate Cemetery
Located in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Stonewall Cemetery is the resting place for the bodies of 2,575 Confederate soldiers who died in the fields and hospitals of this locality.
- 305 E. Boscawen Street
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 662-4868
- mthebroncemetery.org/confederate-cemetery.html
- 305 E. Boscawen Street
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Winchester National Cemetery
Winchester National Cemetery is the final resting place for Union soldiers who fought and died at the battles of Winchester, New Market, Front Royal, Snickers Gap, Harper’s Ferry, Martinsburg, and Romney.
- 401 National Avenue
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 825-0027
- www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/winchester.asp
- 401 National Avenue
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Belle Grove Plantation
This antebellum plantation manor house, owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, was originally home to Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly, sister of President James Madison.
- 336 Belle Grove Road
Middletown VA 22645 - (540) 869-2028
- bellegrove.org
- 336 Belle Grove Road
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Civil War Orientation Center
Located in the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center, this is a wonderful starting point for those seeking an overview of Winchester’s Civil War experience.
- 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 542-1326
- shenandoahatwar.org
- 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd.
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Newtown History Center
The Newtown History Center offers museum exhibits and tours focusing on the people and events of Stephens City, Virginia’s long history.
- 5408 Main Street
Stephens City VA 22655 - (540) 869-1700
- newtownhistorycenter.org
- 5408 Main Street
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Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum
This Georgian style 1840 Court House was used as a hospital and prison during the American Civil War. The museum maintains a nationally recognized collection of Civil War artifacts.
- 20 N. Loudoun Street
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 542-1145
- www.shenandoahatwar.org/civil-war-museum
- 20 N. Loudoun Street
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Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters
This Virginia and National Historic Landmark was used as headquarters by General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson during the winter of 1861-1862.
- 415 N. Braddock Street
Winchester VA 22601 - (540) 773-1604
- winchesterhistory.org/stonewall-jacksons-headquarters
- 415 N. Braddock Street