Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:1201 E Clay St.
Richmond, Virginia
Tel:
(804) 649-1861
The Museum and White House of the Confederacy is located in the former capital of the Confederate States of America, Richmond, Virginia. It holds the world's largest collection of Confederate memorabilia, documents, and photographs and maintains the grounds of the White House of the South that served the Confederacy. The whole complex serves as a memorial and museum to honor those who fought for what they believed and to educate visitors about this crucial time period in our nation's history.
Highlights from the museum and White House collection include sculptures of Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson, Confederate military uniforms and weapons, E.B.D. Julio's painting, "The Last Meeting of Lee and Jackson", 6,000 original photographs, and a library filled with manuscripts, maps, and books. Special exhibits present the role of women in the war, specific battles that affected the Richmond area, and everyday life during the Civil War. The overall history of the war is also explored, with chronological exhibits that begin with the formation of the Confederacy to its surrender at Appomattox.
The White House of the Confederacy, a neoclassical mansion built in 1818, is now a National Historic Landmark that has been carefully preserved to present its wartime grandeur. From its specific era décor to its furnishings and paintings, when guests walk through the White House, they will indeed feel as though they are walking through the home of the Davis family who lived in the house from 1861-1865.
Set aside at least one hour (but preferably two or three) to explore the three floors of exhibitions and about 40 minutes for a White House tour. Please note that during the months of January and February of 2009 the White House of the Confederacy will be closed for restoration. The Museum will remain open during this time.
From Museum and White House of the Confederacy - Richmond, VA:
The Museum of the Confederacy's rich collection of civilian and military Civil War artifacts relating to the Confederate States of America, as well as the post-war "Lost Cause" era, is a valuable resource for the study of the role of the Confederacy in the War and in our society today.