Continuing today with the Virginia History tour, more civil war sites. Starting at the White House of the Confederacy downtown Richmond, tucked in the midst of many Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) medical complex. It is amazing it was saved from destruction and renovated back to the original Civil War era decor from 1978-1988 and then again in the 1990’s.

The White House of the Confederacy was built as an elegant 1818 neoclassical mansion and then evolved to become one of the most symbolically important sites of the Civil War. Built for banker Dr. John Brockenbrough, passing through several other owners, until it became the executive residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis from 1861–1865. It served as a social and political hub of the Confederate government. After the war, it passed through several public uses before it became the American Civil War Center. In 2014, the Museum of the Confederacy merged with the American Civil War Center, forming today’s American Civil War Museum, which continues to interpret the site.

Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about everything in the house and the history associated with it. The wallpaper, carpets, and furnishings were all recreated to be exactly as the original to the Civil War era. Quite elaborate. Lots of interesting stories about the time when Jefferson Davis and his family lived here. This tour is definitely worth taking to learn about the house and history.

Outside, along the side of the house, is a section of the propellor shaft of the famous iron clad Merrimac. Unusual!

From here, we are driving over to the American Civil War Museum about a mile away. You can purchase a ticket for three historical sites: White House of the Confederacy, American Civil War Museum, and Appomattox (about 90 miles away) which will be our last stop later this week.