American Civil War Museum- Historic Tredegar

500 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA

Address:	500 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
Phone:	+1 804-649-1861
Site:	acwm.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 28

Rose Ringer

For real history buffs - dont waste your time here. Recently, my husband and I drove some distance to visit The Tredegar site and we were both profoundly disappointed. The number of artifacts related to the iron works is relatively low. The exhibit is primarily photographs with accompanying text, most of which is written so simplistically one assumes it was written for third-graders (or below). If youre looking for a place to learn about the horrors of slavery before and during the Civil War, this is the place for you. A disproportionate amount of the display is dedicated to this facet of the War Between the States. Not what Id expect from a historic site/foundry where weapons for the war were produced. Lastly, the text used in these displays is on a gray background with inappropriately placed overhead lighting, creating significant glare. My husband and I (retirement age) had a hard time reading the text due to the glare issues. We visited this museum in the hopes that we could learn more about our Confederacy but this museum wasnt the place for that. Conversely, we did visit the White House of the Confederacy on East Clay Street and that historic site was five stars and top notch. The Museum of the Confederacy (next door to the White House of the Confederacy) was also first class. If youre headed to Richmond, skip the Tedegar Site and spend a day at The Museum of the Confederacy. Its as wonderful as the Tredegar site was bad.

Joel Ingram

This is just one of many great historical site/ museums in Richmond. The exhibits and building ruins are very interesting, but dont expect to kill a whole day here. I would give an hour, two max to take in what this museum has to offer, but the fact that you are right next to the river and the beautiful Belle Isle public park make it a great draw if you are up for seeing multiple attractions in the area and can do a bit of extended walking to Belle Isle. The museum itself is of course worth the visit on its own, just not a whole afternoon.

Lindsey R

I highly recommend the combined admission ticket that allows you to go to both Tredegar and the White House of the South, its a better deal, and personally Im a big fan of historical landmarks. Tredegar is a beautiful museum that really captures an interesting perspective of the events leading up to and throughout the Civil War. A must see for any US History fanatic. Plus it makes a beautiful wedding venue. We actually saw a couple getting married as we left the building.

John D

Mr. Hayashi (comments shown below) clearly came to this incredibly good, historically rich American treasure with his own predetermined bias. Talk about a hypocrite. Look in the mirror Mr. H. This site is very well done and does a nice job of the three perspectives Mr. H criticizes. I dont know what he was looking at and reading while he was there but he is totally off base. Nice job and kudos to both the Natl Park service AND the private museum. Thank you.

Christopher Winkler

Lots of old machinery and mechanical goodies to gander at. Very friendly staff inside the museums. One museum is free, the other costs money per person. On site parking costs money as well, though a ticket to the non free museum covers parking costs. The buildings are well preserved and you could easily spend a nice afternoon exploring the iron works grounds. Tons of walking trails lead away from the grounds and towards the river.

emily patch

Our group was a Civil War buff and a Civil War novice. It was a great experience for both! Lots of well-presented basic information, but great artifacts and a detailed timeline of all major events for even the most well-versed to learn something. Located in a beautiful area and the experience was even more amazing because it was located inside a historic building. Friendly staff and park rangers too!

Rosana Augstroze Rutter Drummond

Muito detalhado sobre toda a história da guerra civil Americana. Não escondem nada. Mas para quem não é americano fica um pouco extenso demais, pq tem muitas coisas escritas.

Nick Guarino

Definitely a great spot for any Civil War/History buff. The building itself is a piece of history; it was a factory that produced more artillery for the Confederacy than any other factory during the war. They have a lot of interesting artifacts throughout the museum and they present the history in a very comprehensive and thought-provoking way.

Thiago Oliveira

I would have given this place a 4 stars, but when the tour guide let us participate in the canon firing demonstration it made it pretty sweet. The museum itself is kind of small and there arent tons of exhibits, but I wasnt expecting much so it was fine.

Rob Rickert

Our daughter got married there and was a wonderful event, the staff is so friendly and helpful. We got to tour the buildings & grounds several times while planning the wedding too! Highly recommend TREDEGAR on the James river!

Kilian Erz

Cool military foundry, small place and some parts are free, neat exibits but not somewhere where you would come to from a long drive but if your in the area and enjoy history, its a definite place to visit for about 2 hours

Tanya Jones

Right on time, especially after visiting D.C. civil war museums. And, read my civil war books on African Americans in the civil war and African American medicine in D.C. before, during, and after the civil war.

Jason Gordon

The private museum was pretty good. It spanned 2 floors and had good exhibits. The cost was I think $10 but was worth it. The park is also by the river and has trails to walk. Good way to spend a few hours.

Hayden Cook

One of my favorite tours and museums along my Civil War journey. Be sure to visit! Loved the hands-on interaction with learning how to fire a cannon and seeing how a Civil War era gun shoots.

Ben Brooks

Visited on several occasions. Something you should do at least once if you have any interest in history or always wondered what this building was for while you were at a festival.

Ananya Gupta

This is a must see museum in Richmond. The outdoor exhibits and one building of the two is free. Parking is $3; however you can park in the lot besides it for free.

joe walter

Very cool museum, actually 2 museums, one is free the other is $10 but worth it. Loads of Civil War exhibits, very well organized, educational.

David Newman

There is an entrance fee and the exhibits are on two floors. The museum next door is better and is free. Strange arrangement.

Dustin Accipiter

Very interesting. Richmond is one of the most historical cities in the country so visiting this museum is a must.

ganphotography

If you want to read about the civil war stay home and read about it, dont waist your time or money going here.

Christopher Nedervelt

They are doing construction right now for a new building over the ruins. Looks like its going to take a while.

jonathon hounsell

Very interesting information and historical documents. Was there for at least 2 hours and lost track of time.