Fredericksburg is an amazing city. It has a wealth of culture and an astounding restaurant collection that I feel gives the bay area a run for its money. Its also the site of some of the most extensive fighting of the civil war. Draw a circle around the city with a 20 mile radius and in this circle a hundred thousand americans died.
We visited Chancellorsville on the 151st anniversary (May 2nd) of the famous flank attack that glorified (and wounded Jackson) and immortalized Lee's audaciousness. People were dressed the part. Our tour guide was as enthusiastic as once got. He explained the steps of the battle that many still feel is Lee's masterpiece.
I would have to say while it was Lee's master piece he also got very very lucky and the misfortunes of Hooker - which there were a lot added to his victory.
This of course brought us to Fredericksburg, which I was surprised at how interesting the city was. Granted from a civil war perspective it was a large union defeat. But the city itself was insanely fun.
We walked along the sunken road and the stone wall at which 13 union assaults failed. However, we went to the less visited area along prospect hill where Gordon Meade's assault was able to break though confer ate lines but was unsupported and thus failed.
Suggestions for these two areas:
1) stay at Courtyard Marriot Downtown. - Its comfortable, elegant, and close of all items of interests.
2) Check out Kybecca restaurant - amazing selection and wine lists
3) Hyperion Coffee bar rocks!
4) Check out any local civil war re-enactments and luminaries
5) Run along the river run heritage area along the banks of the Rappahanock.
6) Check out Lee's Hill and see Prospect Hill - I would have to say it was more the key to this battle than Mayre's Heights
7) Go to Foode for any food - the place is really good
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