Explore Virginia’s Largest All-Cavalry Battlefield, Historic House Museum, Trails, and Driving Tour
On any given day, the fields and woods surrounding Trevilian Station Battlefield Park feel peaceful. Horseback riders follow wooded trails, visitors reflect beneath the trees, and volunteers welcome guests into the historic Trevilian House. But in June 1864, this quiet corner of Louisa County became the site of the largest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War.
Over two days, more than 15,000 Union and Confederate cavalrymen fought across the rolling countryside surrounding Trevilian Station, a stop along the Virginia Central Railroad. The battle was part of a larger Union effort to disrupt the railway, a critical Confederate supply route connecting the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond. Instead, Confederate forces led by General Wade Hampton blocked the effort, preserving the railroad and earning what many historians consider one of the Confederacy’s most significant cavalry victories.
Today, visitors can explore a landscape that looks remarkably similar to the one soldiers experienced more than 160 years ago at Trevilian Station Battlefield Park and the historic Trevilian House.
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Preserving the Battlefield
The Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation has spent nearly three decades working to preserve this historic ground. Through volunteer efforts, fundraising, grants, and partnerships, the organization has helped protect more than 2,200 acres of battlefield land, with hundreds of additional acres safeguarded through conservation easements.
Their mission is simple: to preserve the history and historical lands of the Battle of Trevilian Station for future generations.
Tour the Historic Trevilian House
One of the highlights of any visit is the Trevilian House. Built in 1846 and carefully restored to reflect its Civil War-era appearance, the home offers a fascinating glimpse into life during and after the conflict. According to local history, Union General George Armstrong Custer spent the night following the first day of battle on the front porch after homeowner George Trevilian asked for help keeping the area quiet for his ailing wife upstairs. Custer reportedly moved his headquarters to the porch, creating a buffer between the home and the soldiers camped nearby.
Today, visitors can tour the house free of charge on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Easter and October, as well as on the third Sunday of each month during the season. Guided by dedicated volunteers, the tours bring the stories of the house, battlefield, and local families to life. From period-style furnishings to artifacts connected to local history—and even pieces once used in the PBS Civil War drama ‘Mercy Street’—the house is filled with details that help connect visitors to the past. Small groups interested in a private tour can also contact the Foundation to arrange a special visit, making the site an excellent stop for history groups, organizations, and curious travelers looking for a deeper dive into the area’s past.
The Trevilian House also serves as the centerpiece for the battlefield’s anniversary Open House, held every five years to commemorate the June 11–12, 1864 Battle of Trevilian Station. During these special anniversaries, volunteers and living history interpreters bring the battlefield to life through demonstrations, storytelling, and hands-on history. The next Open House will be held in 2029, making it a great opportunity to experience the site in a way that’s not typically available during the rest of the year.
Explore the Battlefield Trails on Foot or Horseback
Beyond the house, Trevilian Station offers approximately 12 miles of trails winding through preserved battlefield landscapes, forests, and open fields. The trails are popular with both horseback riders and walkers, offering opportunities to experience the beauty and history of the property at your own pace. Along the way, visitors may encounter historic family cemeteries, scenic views, and quiet reminders of the generations who have called this area home.
The trail system is open year-round on Sundays, weather permitting. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, visitors can access the trails daily from sunup to sundown. Primitive camping is also available at the Oakland Road trailhead off Route 613 [Directions], making it easy to extend your visit and enjoy a night beneath the stars in Virginia’s countryside. For more information on camping, read our blog (to be posted very soon!) or contact Ed Crebbs at (434) 907-1456
Stay up to date with trail maintenance, closures, and volunteer opportunities on Facebook.
Beyond the Trails: Experience the Driving Tour
For those interested in diving deeper into the battle itself, the Foundation has created a self-guided driving tour that follows key locations associated with the fighting. The route takes visitors to sites such as Clayton’s Store, where Union forces camped before the battle; the reconstructed Netherland Tavern, which served as General Wade Hampton’s headquarters; the location of “Custer’s First Last Stand,” where General George Armstrong Custer’s brigade was nearly surrounded; and the infamous “Bloody Angle,” where fierce fighting raged on the battle’s second day.
Along the way, interpretive stops help visitors better understand the movements, decisions, and stories that shaped one of the Civil War’s most significant cavalry engagements. You may also use the Visit Louisa app for the driving tour.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a peaceful place to explore, Trevilian Station Battlefield Park offers an opportunity to step into the past while enjoying the natural beauty of Louisa County.
Visitors can tour the historic Trevilian House during seasonal open hours, explore approximately 12 miles of trails by foot or horseback, camp beneath the stars at the Oakland Road trailhead, or follow the self-guided driving tour to discover key sites from the largest all-cavalry battle of the Civil War.
Visitor Information
Trevilian House Tours
- Open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Easter through October) and third Sunday of each month (April through October)
- Free admission; no reservations required
- Group tours may be arranged in advance through the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation
Trail Access
- Open Sundays year-round (weather permitting) and from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, open daily from sunup to sundown
- Approximately 12 miles of trails open to walkers and horseback riders
- Parking is available for both vehicles and horse trailers
- No bikes or motorized vehicles are permitted on the trails
Camping
- Available during trail operating hours at the Oakland Road trailhead (camping area located adjacent to the trailhead parking area)
- No reservations or fees required
- RVs and horse trailers welcome for short stays (1-2 nights)
- Primitive camping only; campers should bring all necessary supplies, as no water or utility hookups are available
Driving Tour
- Available year-round at your own pace
- Explore key battlefield locations throughout the Trevilian Station area with a self-guided driving tour
- Download tour PDF with driving directions online
After your visit, consider exploring Louisa County’s local restaurants, wineries, shops, and attractions to round out your experience. Create your own personalized itinerary here!
History lives here at Trevilian Station Battlefield, and it’s waiting to be discovered.
Special thanks to Ed Crebbs with the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation.
Learn more about their preservation work and the battlefield’s history at www.trevilianstation.com.
Contact the Foundation:
- Facebook: facebook.com/TrevilianStationBattlefieldFoundation
- Email: [email protected]
- Vice President, Katherine Sheridan-Stiles: (540) 967-1832
- Secretary, Ed Crebbs: (434) 907-1456
Photos courtesy of the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation and Volunteers
