Historical Controversies

War Comes to Virginia

Introduction to the Civil War
Chris Calton

Season 3, Episode 10. Because of the close proximity to Washington DC and Richmond, Virginia, much of the Civil War would take place in eastern Virginia—between the two capitals. Virginia’s favorite son, Robert E. Lee, would be offered command of the Union army only days before resigning his U.S. army commission and accepting a position in the Confederate army. The war in Virginia began with a few minor skirmishes following the Union occupation of Alexandria and Arlington.