Richmond National Battlefield park will commemorate the anniversary of the 1864 battle of Cold Harbor with a weekend series of events at the Cold Harbor battlefield on June 3 and 4, 2006. Programs begin at 10:00 on Saturday and include an evening event. Sunday's schedule runs from 10:00 to 4:00. There is no charge for this event and free parking is available at the Cold Harbor Visitor Center located on Cold Harbor Road (Va. Route 156).
On Saturday and Sunday volunteers representing Union and Confederate troops will perform scheduled artillery and rifle firing demonstrations. In addition park staff will provide a series of guided tours that will highlight the impact of the battle on local civilians, walk the ground where the heaviest fighting occurred on June 1, 1864 and reflect on the soldier's sacrifice with a visit to the Cold Harbor National Cemetery. Throughout the day young people can visit with the living history volunteers and learn about the life of the soldier.
Saturday evening the park will host a special program beginning at 7:30 pm. Park historian Bob Krick will introduce the candlelight tour with a brief overview on the battle of Cold Harbor. At 8:00 Southern Horizon will present a concert featuring selections popular during the war. After the concert visitors will walk the battlefield by candlelight and speak with volunteers portraying Union and Confederate soldiers and private citizens. The candlelight tour is appropriate for all ages. Please bring a flashlight and an active imagination if you plan to take the tour.
