Four-legged friends are encouraged to visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park for B.A.R.K. Ranger Day on Saturday, October 12! Dogs (and their owners) will find a variety of canine-friendly offerings available.
Dog-Friendly Hike at Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield- 10:00am
Park Ranger Peter Maugle will lead a 3-mile hike and tell stories about dogs in the battle. Meet at Tour Stop #3, Spotsylvania Battlefield (GPS Coordinates: 38.223558, -77.601730).
Sturdy shoes, water, bug spay, and long pants recommended.
Dog-Friendly Walking Tours at Fredericksburg Battlefield
Park staff will conduct 35-minute tours of the Sunken Road, explaining the battle and including tales about dogs. Meet at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette, Blvd, 22401. Tours begin at 11:25, 1:25, 2:25 and 3:25.
Dog-Friendly Walking Tours at Chancellorsville Battlefield
Park staff will conduct 35-minute tours about the Battle of Chancellorsville and wounding of Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson, including tales about dogs. Meet at the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, 9001 Plank Road, 22553. Tours begin at 11:25, 1:25, 2:25 and 3:25.
"Companions in Battle: Animals at War," Campfire program- 6:30pm
Park Ranger Peter Maugle will examine how animals, whether mascots, pets, or encountered in the wild, accompanied the armies during battles or were present to influence the soldiers' experience of combat, and even their emotional healing or understanding afterwards. Meet at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Blvd, 22401. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and flashlight!
All programs are family (and pet) friendly, free of charge, and open to the public.
Dogs must be well-behaved and leashed at all times.
Tags: bark ranger day civil war
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
