This spring, we set out on an adventure we’ll never forget—traveling across America to trace the stories of the Civil War and being an ambassador for Fantasy RV Tours. For 20 days, we helped lead a group that rolled through some of the country’s most famous landscapes, stopping at spots where history was literally made. What made it even better? We were surrounded by new friends who love history, the open road, and making memories just as much as we do.
Understanding the History
Our journey kicked off in Charleston, South Carolina, a city that feels like stepping right into the past. We stood at Fort Sumter, imagining the moment those first shots of the Civil War echoed across the harbor. The H.L. Hunley Museum was a real highlight—who knew we’d get to see the world’s first successful combat submarine up close?
A carriage ride through Charleston’s historic streets showed us how much the city still treasures its past, and wandering through the City Market with its 300+ vendors gave us a taste (literally!) of local flavors. Touring the stately antebellum plantations helped us picture daily life in the 1800s. The beauty of the southern live oak trees with their sprawling canopy and iconic Spanish moss had everyone’s cameras snapping.
Standing on Hallowed Ground
Next, we headed into Georgia, where we explored Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and got a feel for the intensity of the Atlanta Campaign. The Southern Museum of the Civil War and Locomotive History showed us the crucial role railways played in supporting the war. We even saw the engine from the thrilling real-life Great Locomotive Chase!
At the Booth Western Art Museum, we were blown away by the Civil War art displays and the presidential gallery. Our stop at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was unforgettable—a park ranger’s storytelling made those battles come alive for us. Traveling up to the top of Lookout Mountain let us experience the amazing scenic vistas where decisive battles shaped the outcome of the war.
Recognizing Historic Locations and Leaders
In Lexington, Virginia, we paid our respects to Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee, visiting their final resting places. Touring the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) gave us a better understanding of the school that trained many Confederate officers. We also got a closer look at Stonewall Jackson’s life by visiting his house.
Walking the fields of Antietam National Battlefield was a sobering experience. We reflected on the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, where the harsh reality of brother fighting brother came alive. Then in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, we dove into the story of John Brown’s raid that helped spark the Civil War. With its location at the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, it really felt like we’d stepped back in time.
Witnessing Living History Reenactments
Appomattox Court House National Historic Park in Virginia was another highlight, especially with all the living history reenactments. Seeing the 1865 surrender acted out at the McLean House—and watching everything from troop movements to cannon blasts to period medical demonstrations—helped us to experience historical events and the time period in a unique way.
We wrapped up our adventure in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where our guide painted a vivid picture of the strategies and decisions that shaped those three fateful days. The Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama was jaw-dropping: a 360-degree painting with lights and sound effects that threw us right into the chaos of Pickett’s Charge.
Fun Beyond the Battlefields
Of course, our trip wasn’t all about history. We made sure to have plenty of fun, too! There was time each day for sightseeing, trying out regional foods, and just relaxing in the comfort of our RVs. Traveling with 24 other couples made every dinner and campfire a chance for new stories and lots of laughter.
Fantasy RV Tours took care of all the details—campsites, directions, guides, tickets, and even many of our meals—so our guests could focus on soaking up American history and hospitality. We had such a good time being an ambassador for this trip and look forward to doing it again next year. Leave a comment below if you’d like more information about any of Fantasy’s many RV tours where all the planning is done for you!
I loved your writings about the civil war. Coming from VA, I’ve seen a lot of historical places of the war, but you made it seem real; could see again some of those places of our country’s history.
So glad you enjoyed the post. I remember seeing a lot of history during our time in Virginia too and it was cool to revisit some of the places.
Looks like so much fun. We’ve heard great things about the Fantasy Tours. We are booked out 26/27 during the time frame of the Civil War tour. Will you and Mike still be working that particular tour in spring of ‘28?
Hi Kathy!
Yes, we’ve loved all the tours we have done with Fantasy. Usually, they want us to work the tour for 2-3 years so we will probably be wagonmasters for 2026 and 2027 since we started it in 2025. We will meet the new tailgunners for that tour in March and they will likely lead in 2028. We can also let you know what assignments we get for after that if you want.
We hope to pass through Orange Beach again early next year and would love to see you and Nolan again. What are your plans for Alabama?
We will be in Orange beach till at least 1 May. Haven’t decided if we can make time to go to Entegra Homecoming before heading to USAFA. Our grandson will be graduating high school and we then are thinking we will head out from there to the Northwest and back to meet up with friends in Breckenridge area mid July? We are so excited to be footloose and fancy free in our RV. We are not due back to OB till Sept 1 for our granddaughter’s senior year.