Popular Driving Trail Expands into Virginia

Originally published August 2021 · p. 44

A new Civil War Trails “Trailblazer” welcomes guests to Belle Grove.

Drew Gruber (left) and Jason Shaffer (Right) install the interpretive marker for Quesenberry Cottage.

Popular Driving Trail Expands into Virginia Civil War Trails Inc., in partnership with King George County Economic Development and Tourism are excited to announce the official expansion of the popular “John Wilkes Booth, Escape of an Assassin” driving trail into Virginia. The thematic driving trail that began in Maryland over 15 years ago now offers visitors 11 sites to explore. The four new sites in King George County, Va., are the latest additions to the Civil War Trails program that now offers over 1,350 sites across six states.

Originally designed and implemented in Maryland, the thematic driving trail offers something for history travelers, road trip enthusiasts, and communities hosting the Civil War Trails sites and signs. “By following the Trail, visitors experience the story of one of the most significant events in American history,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Tom Riford. “The newly expanded trail helps this scenic and historic driving tour come to life, in the places where the events happened.” Since the “Escape of an Assassin” trail originally opened, interest from visitors has only increased and requests for the brochure rivals other Civil War Trails pieces in popularity. This interest was the driving force behind expanding the trail into King George County. “King George is excited to join the Civil War Trails sign network. With travel projected to be at an all-time high this year, our highways will be full of tourists and travelers looking for historical locations as they make their way to beaches and family gatherings,” explained Nicholas Minor, with the King George County Economic and Tourism Development Office.

Over the last year the Civil War Trails program offered a safe and responsible amenity for families said Ashley Chenault, Chief and travelers, often driving sore- of Tourism, Explore Charles ly needed revenues to business- County, Maryland. es. Moreover, over the last sevThe Civil War Trails team is eral years the Civil War Trails excited about continuing to grow program continued to experi- beyond the four thematic sites ence growing visitation, along in King George and to uncover with an increasingly younger and other aspects of their Civil War more dynamic audience. “The history. “With these signs as a [Booth] byway highlights attrac- starting point, we are happy contions that make for a great side tinue working with stakeholders trip for history buffs who travel in King George to tell larger and to or live in Washington D.C.,” more diverse stories in the county,” said Chris Brown, Assistant Director at Civil War Trails. For more information about Civil War Trails or to request your free brochure today connect with them at: www.civilwartrails.org, or @civilwartrails.