This is a sketch of cannons on the upper deck of a fort.

Heritage Sites

The places highlighted here — formerly called the Civil War Discovery Trail â€” are not just any places. They are the celebrated sites and structures that bring the earliest chapters of the American story to life, such as battlefields, historic homes, stations on the Underground Railroad, cemeteries, and parks. Together, they constitute the essential stops on a trail to discovering not only America’s military history, but the political, social and human dimensions of the founding and forging of the United States.

A sketch of a crowd waving an American flag in the street
Civil War  |  Museum

Snyder Museum

Bastrop, Louisiana | This museum highlights local history, including a special display dedicated to the Civil War.
General Wild’s African Brigade Liberating the Enslaved
Civil War  |  Historic Site

A Town Divided

Between 1862 and 1863, African Americans sought and defended their freedom as opposing forces and neighbors fought to control Elizabeth City.
A sketch of a house
Civil War  |  Historic Site

Rankin House

Ripley, Ohio | The historic site was the home of Presbyterian minister and ardent abolitionist Rev. John Rankin. He and his family are credited with...