Smoke filled the air as “Stonewall” Jackson worked his way through the woods. He had the Federalist Army on the run just outside of Chancellorsville, Virginia. The day had been one of the most extraordinary military victories in history. Outnumbered two to one, Jackson and his army drove their enemy back and into disarray. In a bold move, he had ridden out ahead to do reconnaissance and was now working his way back.
Crouching in the woods were Jackson’s own soldiers. Mistaking him for advancing northern troops, they opened fire. Stonewall was hit twice in the arm and once in the hand. His left arm would eventually be amputated and buried nearby. After being transported to another field hospital, he died of pneumonia a week later. The doctor noted the time of his passing on the clock. His body was buried in Lexington. His arm remained in Chancellorsville. Thus, he became one of the only people in history to have two gravesites.
If you want history to come alive for your kids you need to take them to the places where significant events happened. Park rangers are some of the last great storytellers. I’ve seen where Jackson was hit and where his arm is buried. I stood in the room where he died. The same clock still ticks in that room. If you want history to come alive for your kids you need to take them to the places where significant events happened. Visit history with your family by going to some of these 30 historical places with your kids.
Battlefields
With Memorial Day and the Fourth of July about a month apart, it will be timely. It will give your family an appreciation for the valor displayed on these hallowed fields. There may also be opportunities to discuss character, strategy, and honor.
Our Favorites
- Bull Run 1 and 2 | Manassas, Virginia
- Fort McHenry | Baltimore, Maryland
- Antietam | Sharpsburg, Maryland
- Gettysburg | Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Chancellorsville and Stonewall Jackson Shrine | Chancellorsville, Virginia
- Fredericksburg | Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Fort Sumter | Charleston, South Carolina
Historical Sites
Take a step into how people lived long ago. It will give your family an appreciation for where we have been and where we are now. Hear the stories. “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”
Our Favorites
- Independence Hall | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Freedom Trail | Boston, Massachusetts
- Ground Zero | Manhattan, New York
- Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Mount Vernon | Alexandria, Virginia
- Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg | Williamsburg, Virginia
- Alcatraz | San Francisco, California
- Harpers Ferry | Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Dealey Plaza | Dallas, Texas
- Missouri History Museum | St. Louis, Missouri
- Colonial St. Augustine | St. Augustine, Florida
National Parks
Be inspired by beautiful views and natural wonders. See some historical structures and encounter wildlife.
Our Favorites
- Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Carolina and Tennessee
- National Mall and Memorials | Washington DC
- Shenandoah National Park | Virginia
- Valley Forge National Park | King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
- Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
- Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming
- Muir Woods National Monument – Redwood Forest | California
- Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve | Alaska
- Mt. McKinley – Denali National Park and Preserve | Alaska
Related Resources:
Sound off: What are your favorites?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “If you could visit one historical location in the world, what would you visit?”