Ball's Bluff National Cemetery
A compact, poignant national cemetery commemorating the Battle of Ball's Bluff with a unique half-circle headstone layout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection
Ball's Bluff National Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact, poignant national cemetery commemorating the Battle of Ball's Bluff with a unique half-circle headstone layout.
"A peaceful and interesting historic graveyard with a story that will engage your curiosity."
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Light hiking trails offer a chance to explore the battle setting and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📜 Read the Informative Plaques
Take time to read the historical markers; they provide crucial context for the battle and cemetery's unique story. :memo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Half-Circle Headstone Arrangement
Main Cemetery Area
A unique layout with headstones forming a half-circle around the central US flag, symbolizing unity and sacrifice.
Plaques Detailing the Battle
Throughout the Cemetery
Informative plaques share the story of the Battle of Ball's Bluff and the cemetery's history, including the unusual interments.
Pvt. James Allen's Grave
Cemetery
The only identified soldier buried here, Pvt. James Allen, offers a personal connection to the past.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
A Solemn and Compact Memorial
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Balls Bluff Regional Park
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Light hiking trails offer a chance to explore the battle setting and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📜 Read the Informative Plaques
Take time to read the historical markers; they provide crucial context for the battle and cemetery's unique story. :memo:
Advice Needed - Which battlefield to visit on upcoming trip to Virginia?
While it seems like everyone visited Gettysburg this past week, I took the road less traveled and visited Ball's Bluff Battlefield, site of a small engagement in 1861. well preserved battlefield, I was thoroughly impressed!
🙏 Reflect on the Sacrifice
This is a place for quiet contemplation and honoring the soldiers who fought for their beliefs. :pray:
📸 Capture the Serenity
The cemetery's layout and natural setting offer beautiful, somber photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
I’m going to be in DC for a month for School, June-July. When I’m done what do you guys think of this route before returning home (NY). Any highlights I should be sure to hit?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Light hiking trails offer a chance to explore the battle setting and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. :athletic_shoe:
📜 Read the Informative Plaques
Take time to read the historical markers; they provide crucial context for the battle and cemetery's unique story. :memo:
🙏 Reflect on the Sacrifice
This is a place for quiet contemplation and honoring the soldiers who fought for their beliefs. :pray:
📸 Capture the Serenity
The cemetery's layout and natural setting offer beautiful, somber photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Ball's Bluff National Cemetery as a peaceful, well-kept, and historically significant site. Many appreciate the unique layout of the headstones and the informative plaques that detail the Battle of Ball's Bluff and the cemetery's unusual internment practices. It's often noted as a place for quiet reflection and honoring veterans.
"The cemetery has an interesting arrangement of headstones installed in a half circle, with the US flag in the center. I'm not really into history but I have the appreciation of men fighting wars for the right reasons. Often, I do wonder if all wars were/are fought for the right reason rather than the bad masqueraded as good? God blessed them and may all of them rest in peace."
Tilly Lo
"The third smallest national cemetery in the U.S. contains the remains of 54 Union soldiers interred in 25 graves. The reason for the numbers mismatch is that all but one of the 25 gravesites marks the spot of “Boxes containing Portions of 2 or 3 bodies–some not more than one except the scull or rather 2 sculls,” (sic) according to an 1877 letter written by the Leesburg postmaster. The reason for the number 54 is that there were 54 skulls reburied. The only identified body in the cemetery is 22-year-old Pvt. James Allen, Co. H, 15th Massachusetts Infantry."
Connor Smith
"Amazing piece of history we visited on Memorial Day to honor our Veterans. Unlike our foreign War Vets, these brave soldiers were some of our very first heros to make the supreme sacrifice to protect the Freedom we enjoy today within our country's borders. Clean, beautiful, easy to navigate trails, and a story that will engage your curiosity. We highly reccommend!"
Tom Parker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ball's Bluff National Cemetery is located in Leesburg, Virginia. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Many visitors combine a trip here with other Civil War sites in the Northern Virginia area, as suggested by travelers planning trips to the region.
Yes, it's generally well-marked. GPS navigation systems will typically guide you directly to the cemetery entrance. It's a straightforward destination for those exploring Leesburg.
Public transportation options directly to the cemetery are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing services if you are in the immediate Leesburg area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Ball's Bluff National Cemetery is free. It is a national cemetery managed by the National Park Service, open to the public for respectful visitation.
The cemetery grounds are typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website for any seasonal changes or specific hours.
No advance booking or tickets are required for visiting Ball's Bluff National Cemetery. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
Absolutely. Due to its compact size, it's perfect for a brief stop to pay respects and learn about the history, making it an ideal addition to a day of exploring nearby battlefields.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can see the unique half-circle arrangement of headstones, read informative plaques about the Battle of Ball's Bluff, and walk the peaceful grounds. Light hiking trails are also available for exploring the surrounding area.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the cemetery and reading the historical markers. If you plan to walk the trails, allow a bit more time.
Restroom facilities are generally available on-site, though it's always wise to confirm their availability with the National Park Service if you have specific needs.
The main cemetery area is relatively flat and accessible. The trails may be uneven, so visitors with mobility challenges should exercise caution or stick to the paved paths where available.
The distinctive half-circle arrangement of headstones, with the US flag at the center, is a symbolic representation of the Union soldiers interred here, creating a powerful visual of their collective sacrifice.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique half-circle headstone arrangement with the flag is a prime photography subject. The serene landscape and historical plaques also offer compelling visual narratives.
Yes, photography is allowed. However, visitors are reminded to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive behavior.
You can capture images of the striking headstone layout, the central flag, historical markers, and the peaceful, natural surroundings. It's a place for reflective and respectful photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good opportunity to teach children about history and remembrance in a respectful setting. Keep the visit concise to maintain younger children's engagement, focusing on the main memorial area and perhaps a short walk on the trails. Ensure they understand the importance of quiet and respect.
🤔 History Buffs & Civil War Enthusiasts
Consider pairing this visit with other nearby Civil War sites in Northern Virginia to create a more comprehensive historical tour. The cemetery's compact nature allows for a focused study of this specific event, complementing broader battlefield explorations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Battle of Ball's Bluff: A Pivotal Early Engagement
Visitors can learn about the tactical blunders and the bravery displayed by soldiers on both sides through the interpretive signage. The terrain around the cemetery also offers a glimpse into the battlefield's landscape, allowing for a more immersive understanding of the events that transpired. It's a place where history feels palpable, offering a stark reminder of the human cost of war.
Unique Internment Practices
This practice, while somber, underscores the immense challenges faced in identifying and honoring fallen soldiers during the war. The cemetery's design, with its half-circle of headstones, visually represents this collective sacrifice. The only identified soldier is Pvt. James Allen, offering a singular point of personal connection amidst the collective memorial.
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