Travel & Pictorial

Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History

Following the award-winning The Appalachian Trail and New York Times bestseller America's Great Hiking Trails, Civil War Battlefields is the official book to walk in the footsteps of history across some of America's most hallowed grounds and trails, and is published in conjunction with the Civil War Trust. While a literal library of Civil War battlefield guides and atlases exist, this is the first book to celebrate the history and scenic beauty of these hallowed grounds in a large-format, beautifully produced volume.

Explore more than 30 Civil War battlefields--including the first five national battlefield parks preserved by veterans in the 1890s. With maps, rarely seen archival photos, and stunning contemporary photography, this photo- and information-packed book is an inspirational bucket list for Civil War and history buffs as well as those who wish to walk in the literal footsteps of history. With text detailing the historical context and then how to experience it all first-hand, and in partnership with America's foremost Civil War preservation group, no book brings the Civil War experience together so thoroughly and handsomely.

About The Author

David Gilbert has spent the past 40 years exploring Civil War battlefield sites. As a charter member of the Harpers Ferry Historical Association in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, he has written several books on the historic site, including A Walker's Guide to Harpers Ferry and Waterpower, an in-depth account of the mills, factories, machines, and floods at Harpers Ferry from 1762 to 1991. He served as editor of the inaugural issue of Hallowed Ground for the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites (APCWS)--now merged with the Civil War Trust. He has also contributed to several National Park Service publications, where he worked for 11 years as a writer and editor. The Civil War Trust is the largest and most effective nonprofit organization devoted to the preservation of America's hallowed battlegrounds. Although primarily focused on the protection of Civil War battlefields, the Trust also seeks to save the battlefields connected to the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Through educational programs and heritage tourism initiatives, the Trust seeks to inform the public about the vital role these battlefields played in determining the course of our nation's history. To date, the Trust has preserved close to 43,000 acres of battlefield land in 23 states.

  • Publish Date: September 22, 2026
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Category: Travel - Special Interest - Military
  • Publisher: Rizzoli Universe Promotional Books
  • Trim Size: 10 x 10
  • Pages: 336
  • US Price: $19.98
  • CDN Price: $26.98
  • ISBN: 978-0-7893-4713-8

Author Bookshelf: David T. Gilbert, Jeff Shaara