Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a city rich in American history, notably from the colonial era and the Civil War. It was a strategic point during the Civil War, changing hands between Union and Confederate forces multiple times. The Battle of Fredericksburg, one of the largest and deadliest of the war, is particularly notable for being the first instance of urban combat in American military history. Today, visitors can explore the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, which preserves parts of the battlefield and other historic sites. The city's past is a poignant reminder of the complexities and struggles that shaped the United States.