American Civil War 1861 – 1865

There is more to the Civil War

Exploring the unparalleled significance the American Civil War holds to complexities we face today.

Plan Your Visit

Peake Series

The Peake Series pairs highlights from our award-winning exhibit with special virtual programs for an unforgettable experience for students. Join us throughout the months of February and March as we explore lesser-known stories & some familiar ones with fresh perspectives.

Learn More

Three teachers sit at a table, poring over a large book.

Free Educator Admission

ACWM is pleased to provide Virginia public school educators and students free admission to all three of our sites. Made possible by a generous contribution in support of history education.

Learn More

acwm map
Our Locations

Three sites, one mission.

1
The American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar
Learn More
2
White House of the Confederacy
Learn More
3
The American Civil War Museum at Appomattox
Learn More

Experience the Museum

We look forward to welcoming you! Please review our COVID-19 Policies and Procedures to ensure the safety of visitors and staff while you’re at the Museum.

ACWM COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

Events

Join us for engaging events that connect history to current culture. Ranging from intimate discussions with authors and historians to symposiums, we have events for everyone. Now offering web programming!

Learn More

HomefrontEd

No school got you scrambling for lessons? Check out the new HomefrontEd section of our website where we will update with book readings, daily activities and educator resources for the students at home!

Learn More

Public Tours

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

SUPPORT

INSTITUTES & WORKSHOPS

BUY TICKETS

SHOP

Become a member to be a part of history’s future.

Our members empower our team to tell stories the of our collective past and relate them to our present – and our future.

Join Now

Read More in-depth topics from our blog.

Go to Blog
Featured Categories

Myths & Misunderstandings

#AskACWM

Military History

African American History

Women’s History

Behind-the-Scenes

Connect With Us, Stay Up to Date

@ACWMuseum

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
YOUTUBE
SEE OUR LATEST NEWS
SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
#OnThisDay in 1863, the U.S. Congress passed the Conscription Act, which created the first wartime draft of American citizens in U.S. history. The act called for the registration of all males between the ages of 20 and 45, but allowed exemptions to be purchased for $300 or by finding a substitute. #OnThisDay in 1864, a sargeant in White's Cavalry Battalion named Edward L. Bennett purchase this pipe for $3.00 at Gordonsville, Virginia. He used it for the duration of the war. This is a photograph of Polly Jackson, a formerly enslaved woman and conductor on the Underground Railroad. According to the legend, as a fugitive Jackson fought off bounty hunters with a kettle of boiling water and a butcher knife. Here's a behind-the-scenes "peek" at the making of our Peake Series! Join us through March as we continue these educational programs, exploring lesser-known stories of the Civil War and looking at familiar ones with fresh perspectives. #OTD in 1863, the Confederacy blew up its recently captured ship, USS Indianola, to avoid its recapture by an old coal barge. The U.S. had been forced to surrender the vessel after Confederate gunboats attacked on the 24th. It responded with one of the most successful hoaxes of the war, building a dummy ironclad on a coal barge, complete with logs for guns, and floating it toward Confederate forces during the night. The Indianola was eventually resurfaced in January 1865. You may have seen the story about the Mississippi teen who lost his Civil War-reenacting chicken, Peep, outside of a Cracker Barrel. After they were reunited, the boy explained that Civil War soldiers had animals with them on the battlefield, so he takes Peep along to reenactments. (Shout out to @thebananaspodcast for first making us aware of this story!)