ENHANCE YOUR NEXT HIKE OR ROAD TRIP WITH THE CIVIL WAR TRAILS PROGRAM
If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, it may be closer than you think. The Civil War Trails program helps preserve the history of our nation while also highlighting notable locations and educating future generations about the past. There are trails of all kinds within the program, and travelers can find a lot of variety to explore. Whether you’re looking to drive, bike, or hike, get to know more about the initiative and how to view these interactive trails in all of their glory.
What is the Civil War Trails Program?
Civil War Trails is a nonprofit that uses grassroots programs to partner with a variety of agencies in preserving stories and sites connected to the conflict.
It’s a collaborative effort involving offices of tourism, historic societies, and many other communities that has been going on since 1994. It operates in six states through its growing network.
The goal of the program is to provide an experience to travelers who are walking or riding in the same places fighters, civilians, and everyone in between would find themselves in during the Civil War.
Using your Civil War Trails map allows you to follow in the footsteps of troops as they move along battlefields and important sites during the war.
Each site and story is unique and has expanded from its initial efforts of showing the path Robert E. Lee took while retreating from Petersburg until his surrender at the Appomattox Court House, into guides for more than 1,500 sites.
The beauty of the program is that many sites had never had a chance to tell their story until becoming members.
Now, each grassroots campaign is set on a larger stage for travelers to discover. Civil War sites allow them to share their experiences.
The process always begins with local historians and descendants to help better deliver the stories of these sites with authenticity at the forefront.
As research continues, the Civil War Trails program continues to expand its offerings to ensure the best experience for visitors and sites alike both in the present and future.
Over 1500 Sites Found in Six States
Visiting trails connected to the Civil War will often bring people through parts of the country offering scenic views through historic roads in regions that bore witness to our nation’s darkest hour.
The Civil War Trails program has 1,500+ sites connected to the conflict, across Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Anyone can travel through these areas and sites but the program helps enhance your journey by offering free brochures, interactive maps, and extra information that help you discover the war in new, engaging ways.
Best of all, while taking a tour in person is typically a great time, there are times when they may not be available due to personnel issues.
However, with the Civil War Trails program, you receive guidance offering expertise and engaging storytelling every step of the way.
Joining the Civil War Trails Program
If you are interested in using the Civil War Trails program, simply head to their website and ask about specific brochures ahead of your trip.
Some may be out of order but can be reprinted and sent right to your door. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to ask about the program when visiting a site.
However, if you are operating a Civil War site and would like to join the program, here’s what you need to know:
- The Civil War Trails program focuses on adding members who have safe parking, a unique story, and strong significance to the conflict.
- You’ll need at least $3,000 to get started. Your initial package will include signs for the trail and your inclusion on Civil War Trails printed maps and their website.
- Keep in mind that every sign is also going to need a sponsor annually who helps the program maintain and market the sites.
- Each Civil War Trails sign requires an annual sponsor which allows us to maintain and market the site.
To learn more about joining the Civil War Trails program, be sure to visit their membership website.
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