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 — 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.

Rev War  |  Battlefield

Rantowles Bridge

This battle on March 27, 1780, was the time Lt. Col. William Washington met British Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton in battle. The fight was a Patriot...
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.
This image, likely from the early 20th century, shows noted educator Virginia Randolph and students outside the school in Gravel Hill.
Civil War  |  Historic Site

Gravel Hill

Following a successful case before the Virginia Court of Appeals in 1777, the slaves of John Pleasants were allowed to follow the dictates of his 1771...