American Civil War Museum, Civil War history museum in Richmond, United States
The American Civil War Museum is a history museum in Richmond, Virginia, that operates three sites across the state. The main location downtown sits in a former industrial complex along the James River.
The museum began in 1896 as the Confederate Museum and initially displayed only southern memorabilia. In 2013 it merged with the American Civil War Center to present perspectives from both sides of the war.
The collection displays weapons, personal belongings, and flags carried by soldiers from both sides. Visitors can read letters and diaries that describe daily life during the war.
Veterans and active military personnel receive free admission with a guest during Veterans Day weekend at all three locations. The exhibits spread across several buildings, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes.
The main location sits in the Historic Tredegar Iron Works, which produced cannons and ammunition during the Civil War. The old brick factory buildings stand directly on the riverbank and now serve as the backdrop for the exhibition halls.
Location: Richmond
Inception: 1896
Fee: Yes
Address: Tredegar Street
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +18046491861
Website: http://acwm.org
GPS coordinates: 32.78077,-79.93124
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29
These military museums gather objects that tell stories of wars and the people who experienced them. You will find weapons, uniforms, combat vehicles, letters, photographs, and old documents. The collections cover different periods and conflicts, from the Middle Ages to recent wars, including the two world wars. In London, the Imperial War Museum holds records of British military life since 1914. In Moscow, the Museum of the Great Patriotic War focuses on the Eastern Front from 1941 to 1945. New Orleans hosts the National WWII Museum, which looks at American involvement in the Pacific and Europe. In Seoul, the Korean War Memorial traces the nation's history through its armed forces. Other sites like Bovington Tank Museum or the Royal Armouries in Leeds display military equipment from many centuries. These places help you understand how conflicts shaped societies and changed fighting techniques. You can see real objects, sometimes rare, and learn about soldiers' daily life beyond the big battles.
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