Richmond National Battlefield Park to honor 161st anniversary of Battle of Cold Harbor

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond National Battlefield Park is inviting the public to celebrate a slice of history -- the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Cold Harbor.

The event, which will be held from Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 8, features living history demonstrations, including a recreation of former President Ulysses S. Grant’s encampment, guided ranger-led programs and hands-on activities for all ages.

The park added that it will honor the site of the 1864 battlefield between the U.S. and Confederate Armies beginning at the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, located at 5515 Anderson Wright Drive in Mechanicsville.

(Photo: Richmond National Battlefield Park)

"By the summer of 1864, United States and Confederate armies were exhausted. Three years of sporadic fighting had culminated in a month of nonstop battle in May. In three weeks, more than 50,000 Federal and 25,000 Confederate soldiers fell at Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and North Anna River before the armies met again at Cold Harbor," the release said.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, visitors can view living history, artillery and rifle demonstrations.

Visitors can also walk through encampments during the day, and children can join rangers to explore the Overland Campaign with exhibits, toys and games, as well as earn a Junior Ranger pin upon completion.

(Photo: Richmond National Battlefield Park)

The first artillery demonstration, "Surviving Cold Harbor,” will begin at 10 a.m. on June 7, followed by an in-depth walking tour with a park historian that begins at the visitor center at 11 a.m.

A reenactment presentation, "Drafted into the Army," will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, followed by a walking tour at 2 p.m.

To see the full list of weekend events, click here.