HENRICO, Va. (WTVR) – If you visit the Malvern Hill Battlefield in Henrico. You’re greeted by conventional signs, historic markers and recordings, but now you’re experience is getting a 21st century upgrade.
National Park Ranger Ed Sanders says he is excited about the new Malvern Hill Battle App.
The Civil War Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our nation’s battlefield, is rolling out its latest cutting edge app.
“It is incredibly easy. You touch the map. Up comes the map,” said Ranger Beth Stern.
The info at your fingertips helps you explore our past on the ground or virtually for free.
“For years you could take a map out,” said Sanders. “But now with that smart phone and with GPS all of a sudden you’re put on that map.”
The Battlefield App uses photographs, maps and videos to interpret what happened here at Malvern Hill. It is sort of like having your very own park ranger in the palm of your hand.
A video by ranger Bob Krick plays at the touch of a screen standing here surrounded by the scenic splendor of the historic Malvern Battlefield.
The July 1, 1862 battle during the Seven Days campaign caused eight thousand casualties between the North and South. Malvern Hill is the fifth in a series of apps joining Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Manassas and Gettysburg.
“You see the map. You see how things unfolded. It is truly a remarkable way to connect technology with the battlefield,” said Sanders.
Park Rangers with Richmond’s National Battlefield are hoping the new technology inspires a new generation of tech savvy historians.
“Whether it’s in their own homes or on the battlefield it builds awareness of the battlefield here and the incredibly important story that happened here,” said Ranger Stern.
To date, more than 35,000 people have downloaded the Trust’s Battle Apps. Funding for the Civil War Trust battle apps in Virginia are paid for by VDOT. The apps for you are free.
You can expect several Richmond area battle apps to roll out in the coming months and years including Cedar Creek and in Petersburg.
