On May 24, 2014, the Hanover County Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee and the Hanover County Department of Parks and Recreation are hosting the Commemoration of the Battle of North Anna, May 21 - 27, 1864 and Dedication of the North Anna Battlefield Park.

This often overlooked battle at the North Anna River was an important part of the 1864 Overland Campaign, which consisted of major battles at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna and Cold Harbor leading to the siege at Petersburg. This campaign was significant because it pitted General Ulysses S. Grant against General Robert E. Lee for the first time and represented a change in overall Union military tactics to a war of attrition, leading to an escalation of casualties, and an eventual hastening of the end of the war and reunification of the country.

The Union's 2nd Corps batteries in position on the North Anna River:
From the June 18, 1864 edition of Harper's Weekly

This battle involved over 100,000 Union and Confederate soldiers and was the turning point in the overall campaign as Grant’s pullout and movement to the east put his army within a day’s march of Richmond and limited Lee’s ability to maneuver as he had to defend Richmond, keeping his army between Grant and the capital.

The keynote speaker will be noted Civil War historian and author Gordon C. Rhea. The day will feature the commemoration of the battle, dedication of the Park including the newly added 90 acres and 2 – 3 miles of new trails, the unveiling of a new “Civil War Trails” marker, tours, living history, artillery demonstrations, exhibits, and the Virginia Sesquicentennial HistoryMobile. The twelve interpretive markers on the new trail are sponsored by the Blue & Gray Education Society. The park contains some of the most pristine Confederate and Union earthworks and interpretive trails in the country. Events at the Park begin at 10:00 AM. Access will be by shuttle bus service only throughout the day from remote parking at the old Doswell School/Ruritan Park on Route 1 at Doswell. The Park address is 11576 Verdon Road, Doswell, VA 23047. Visit www.hanovercounty.gov after April 1st for more information and event updates.