Experience the
Wilderness Battlefield.

Wilderness Battlefield and Ellwood Manor near Fredericksburg, Virginia

Historic Ellwood Tour

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Battle of the Wilderness

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Wilderness Crossing Trail

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Come experience Historic Ellwood Manor & Wilderness Battlefield

Located 30 minutes West of Fredericksburg , Virginia.

Written Directions
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Announcements

Mine Run Tours Rescheduled

by | Sep 21, 2023

Due to the forecast of heavy rain and wind on Saturday, September 23, the tours scheduled for Mine Run Battlefield have been rescheduled for Saturday, October 21.  Stay safe out there!!!!

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Newsletters 2023

by | Sep 3, 2023

First Quarter Newsletter Jan 1, 2023 Second Quarter Newsletter April 1, 2023 Third Quarter Newsletter July 1, 2023 Fourth Quarter Newsletter October 1 - December 31, 2023  

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2023 Scholarship Recipient

by | Aug 16, 2023

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship Recipient Daniel Robles. FoWB board member Lynn McDonald presented Daniel his certificate at the Orange County High Schools Awards Ceremony on May 18, 2023....

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Who We Serve

School and Community Groups

  • Educational Programs for All Ages by prior arrangement
  • Provide Speakers for your Meetings

Tourists

  • Free Volunteer led tours of local battlefields
  • Self Guided Driving Tour of the Battlefield
  • Numerous Hiking/Walking Trails
  • Acres of Beautiful Woods and Meadows to Explore and Enjoy

Volunteers

  • Trained Interpreters at area battlefields
  • Maintenance of area battlefields
  • Walking tour guides
  • Committee work, research and special events

Who We Are

The purpose of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is to assist the American Battlefield Trust and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust in their efforts to preserve the battlefields in Spotsylvania and Orange Counties. The Friends provide advocacy, educational programs, and service projects for the battlefield.

Qualifications

 

  • Established in 1995
  • 501(c)3 nonProfit Organization
  • All Volunteer Organization
Meet Our Organization

What Makes FOWB Special

Personalized Tours

We are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, who offers friendly, personalized tours. The battlefield grounds are beautiful to walk, with five hiking trails.

Unique Partnership

We enjoy a unique partnership with other like-minded historical preservation organizations to help maintain battlefield property and provide interpretation and living history events.

Heritage Program

We have a Heritage Program to honor ancestors who were there. We host a variety of Living History Events throughout the year, and host dinner or lunch events, with speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the park open?
The Wilderness Battlefield grounds are open from sunrise to sunset but the gates at Ellwood are only open when the house is open.  (Hours of Operation)
Is there an admission fee to the park?

The Wilderness Battlefield and Ellwood Manor are free and open to the public.  

Are there any walking/hiking trails in the park?
There are a number of marked trials on the Wilderness Battlefield: Federal Line, Gordon Flank Attack, Tapp Field, Vermont Monument, Chewning Farm and Wilderness Crossing. (Wilderness Crossing Trail Guide)
Is the park handicap accessible?

With a few exceptions, park buildings and many park trails are accessible. Service animals are welcome in all of our park buildings and on the grounds. If you have any questions about accessibility accommodations, please check with a NPS Visitor Center.

Are pets allowed in the park?
Pets are welcome on the grounds within the park. All pets must be securely leashed at all times. Pets, except service annimals, are not allowed inside Ellwood Manor.