Cold Harbor Battlefield - Richmond National Battlefield

We just wrapped up a week-long vacation and hit a number of national parks along our route. 

The first park we stumbled upon by accident while getting gas for the car.  The random gas station I chose led me right to the Cold Harbor Battlefield, which is right next to Gaines' Mill (two separate Civil War battles).  Of course, you can't drive the DC-Richmond corridor without running into a battlefield somewhere.

There wouldn't be so many parks if Lee had just given up earlier.

We toured the tiny little visitor center with its outdated exhibits and familiar battlefield map with the blinking lights.  I did not acquire any Civil War swag, but was pleased to see books I had already read on the bookshelf.

We drove the short loop road through the battlefield, winding our way through the woods.  Back there, we found the earthworks that had been dug during the battle.  What is shocking is how close the opposing sides were to each other.  Whenever I look at these maps, I imagine the troops a mile apart.  But no, you could easily toss a baseball to your opponent on that field.

Or a grenade.  Seriously, why did no one think to bring a grenade?

We were there such a short time, and it was a rainy day, so I didn't even take a good picture.  So here is one I found online:

Photo: National Parks Traveler