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

2022 Annual Meeting

by | Oct 13, 2022

   You are Cordially Invited to the FoWB Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Wilderness Baptist Church, 9701 Plank Rd (Rt 3), Spotsylvania, VA. ...

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2022 Park Day Canceled

by | Mar 5, 2022

Due to remaining storm related hazards in the Wilderness Battlefield, particularly along Hill-Ewell Drive and Rt. 20, the National Park Service has determined that a spring Park Day cleanup event...

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Who We Serve

School and Community Groups

  • Educational Programs for All Ages by prior arrangement
  • Special Tours of Ellwood Manor and the grounds can be arranged
  • Group Lunch on the Lawn at Ellwood Manor (permit required)
  • Provide Speakers for your Meetings
Tourists

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

Volunteers

  • Trained Interpreters (Tour Guides) at Ellwood Manor
  • Ground Force (Maintaining yard and gardens)
  • Walking tour guides
  • Committee work, research and special events

Your Contribution Matters

Help us preserve the Wilderness Battlefied, Ellwood Manor and enhance the visitor's experience.

Donate/Membership
Photo by: Joe Lafleur

Who We Are


The purpose of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is to assist the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (FRSP) in its efforts to preserve the Wilderness Battlefield in Spotsylvania and Orange Counties. The Friends provide advocacy, educational programs, and service projects for the battlefield.

Qualifications

  • Partnership Agreement with the National Parks Services
  • 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.  Donations are always welcome and appreciated.

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 call ahead at 540-693-3200 or stop at a 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.