HISTORICAL FILMS

Virginians Desolate, Virginians Free

​

Produced for the National Park Service at Fredericksburg, these programs take a look at war from the eyes of civilians: the men and women of the Fredericksburg area, their children, and also the slaves who became free during the hard fighting in and around Fredericksburg during the war. Nowhere was the fighting so prolonged and in such close proximity to the civilian population, as it was at Fredericksburg. With four major battles, and the area changing hands repeatedly, friendships and loyalties were tested – confirmed or destroyed by the wastage of war and the bitterness of change, of losing, and the occupation by Federal forces. The diversity of these feelings – so different for pro-Union residents and slaves – is covered in great detail and respect for all perspectives. “Virginia Desolate, Virginians Free” completes the story of the Civil War in Virginia, filling in the experience of those who were there before the armies came, who stayed on through battle and occupation, and who endured the “unendurable”: defeat - long after the war was over.

Media Magic Productions, LLC