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Richmond National Battlefield ParkCannon firing program, a part of the anniversary program at Cold Harbor battlefield
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Richmond National Battlefield Park
Park Rules and Regulations

These battlefields have been dedicated to those who fought and died here. Please treat them respectfully.

This is a partial list of the rules & regulations established for the protection of Richmond National Battlefield Park (RICH), and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (MAWA). Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, along with the Superintendent’s “Law Enforcement Compendium ” specifically addressing RICH & MAWA are available at all park visitor centers or from any Park Ranger. Violations of regulations are brought before the U. S. District Courts in Richmond, Virginia and are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. These regulations include:

All areas of the park are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in motor vehicles.

All natural, cultural, and archeological resources are protected and may not be removed and/or disturbed.

Relic hunting is prohibited. Possession of a metal detector in the park is unlawful.

Hunting, trapping, touching, feeding, teasing, or otherwise disturbing wildlife or fish is prohibited.

Weapons are unlawful unless temporarily rendered inoperable and/or packed, cased, or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

The use of an artificial light to view wildlife is prohibited.

Picnicking is allowed only at Fort Harrison picnic area, the parking areas at Chickahominy Bluff, Drewry’s Bluff, Beaver Dam Creek and the traffic circle at Malvern Hill.

Camping is prohibited. The use of motor homes or similar vehicles for the apparent purpose of overnight parking is considered camping.

Loud playing of radios, tape recorders, musical instruments, CD players or other audio devices is prohibited. This also includes loud motor vehicles, motorized toys, generators, and other noise making devices.

Littering and/or other dumping of refuse is prohibited. Use of park dumpsters for discarding household trash is prohibited.

Leaving a park trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway, or to shortcut to an adjacent trail or walkway in violation of designated restrictions is prohibited.

Pets are allowed in the park, but must be physically restrained at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets, except seeing-eye dogs, are prohibited in buildings and may not be tied to objects and left unattended.

Horses are allowed with certain restrictions. Please obtain a copy of the park’s “Horse Use Policy” from park headquarters or any Park Ranger.

Recreational activities are prohibited including, but not limited, to kite-flying, ball-playing, frisbee-throwing, sledding, tobogganing, tubing, etc. Roller skates, in-line skates, roller skis, coasting vehicles, and similar devices are prohibited.

Smoking is prohibited in all park buildings.

Open fires are strictly forbidden at all times, and the throwing of burning material in such a manner as may cause a fire is unlawful.

Found property must be turned in to the nearest Park Ranger or Visitor Center.

Motor vehicles and bicycles must remain on established roads and parking areas. Bicycles are prohibited from all park trails.

All park areas (including park roads) are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise, except for park resident travel.

 

Black troops during the Civil War  

Did You Know?
As part of a major assault against Richmond’s defenses fourteen African American soldiers received the Medal of Honor for heroic conduct at the battle of New Market Heights, September 29, 1864.

Last Updated: October 23, 2006 at 15:56 EST