TOP 10 Historical battlefield exploration in Henrico, Virginia

Located on Willis Church Road in Henrico, Virginia, the Malvern Hill Battlefield is a historic park and tourist attraction that preserves a section of the two-mile front where Confederates made an unsuccessful attack on June 26. This bold advance, combined with the arrival of "Stonewall" Jackson's command, led to Union commander George B. McClellan ordering a withdrawal to high ground near Gaines' Mill. Visitors can explore the short trail starting at the parking area, which takes them across the creek through an area where Southern casualties were particularly heavy. Along the way, exhibits describe the fighting from both the Union and Confederate perspectives. Beyond its Civil War history, the Malvern Hill Battlefield also has a rich pre-war history. The property features the Shelton House, built by the Shelton family around 1723 and inhabited by them for over 280 years before being sold to the National Park Service in 2001. The Shelton family had direct ties to the Revolution, as Sarah Shelton was married to Patrick Henry, possibly in the Shelton House. During the Civil War, the house witnessed intense action as two Union signalmen relayed messages to their troops while Confederate troops attempted to shoot them down, hitting the building at least 50 times. Despite the damage, the Union soldiers survived.