Photo Essay: Civil War Battlefields Virginia

When I was a boy, although some still say I am I love that line, I was a child prodigy on the piano and also extremely knowledgeable about U.S. History. My passion of interest was the Civil War. Since my childhood days, I forgot how to read music, and some say play keyboards too. My knowledge of the Civil War also vanished, but my love of history never died, just got refocused onto other areas. I am against war and certainly would never glorify it as a way to solve anything. In fact while living in Appalachia, I found that the Civil War is in fact alive and well in the spirit of many. Even had a person tell me "When the Confederate Congress reconvenes".... Whoa hold on a minute That congress has been gone for over 100 years close to 150. That along with seeing pictures of General Lee hanging on the walls of many a place and the ever so popular Stars and Bars displayed on lawns, t-shirts, trucks and what seemed to be everywhere, and this was Kentucky, a border state that refused to join the Confederacy! I was asked to leave abruptly from where i was staying in Ky. One of my cats had an accident and the person became outraged, and told me to leave immediately or they would have me removed "Southern Style". I have always had wonderful friends from the south and enjoy playing southern influenced music, so I did not really understand what that meant. Needless to say I did not stay to find out, but thought it a bit odd that "the south" is used as a threat. I personally have not anything bad happen to me in southern states, or with friends from the south. I headed to Washington D.C. where I have family and friends that are reliable and sane. Good place to regroup after an unexpected fall. So what's next to D.C.??? Virginia! More Civil War battlefields than any other state, and after loosing my own battle in Kentucky, a great way to spend the day. Exercise, History, and some good mental health....perfect. I hope you like these images and i will certainly describe what I know.

I went to Fredericksburg, as there were 4 important battles around this city. Fredericksburg was a key to the North getting to Richmond. General Lee's Army defended it well and the battle was a loss for the North. Other battlefields in this area,  Chancellorsville where The admired C.S.A. General Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by his own troops, The Wilderness which was a battle in exactly that, thick trees and jungle like brush, Spotsylvania where hand to hand combat was first used and the trenches vast. The scene of a very bloody battle and the only fight that was a technical draw. The other's were C.S.A. victories.

I would like to make you aware also that 75% of the Fredericksburg battlefield is gone to housing, strip malls etc. The lands where many died, were buried where they fell, should be in my opinion not gobbled up like common farmland for greed. I experienced this at Chancellorsville too, where a field was actually purchased to keep development at bay. When Grand Central Station was going to be knocked down as being too old, Jackie Kennedy organized against it and said something to the effect that Europe has places that are centuries old and we a young 200 year old nation destroy are heritage in the name of progress. Look at these pictures and see how beautiful these once burning lands are, they should be around for our heritage and as great places to reflect and enjoy. They also are now giving life as wild animals prevail. Civilwar.org is a site that can tell you more if you agree....