150th Civil War Commemorations Expected to Spark Tourism for the more than 350 Sites Impacted by America's Bloodiest War

The war which touched hundreds of American towns, consisted of more than 50 major battles and 5000 minor ones, saw over 700,000 people killed (360,000 Union soldiers, 260,000 Confederate soldiers, and as many as 100,000 civilians died) with just about every family experiencing personal tragedy (death, disability, homes destroyed) started on April 12 100 years ago -- the American Civil War.

And starting this week, the many towns across the country whose histories were touched, molded, or greatly altered by the war are initiating events to commemorate this war that has continued to fascinate and engage generations long since the first and last gunshots were fired.

As a sampling:

In Charleston, S.C., on April 12, mortar fire will once again light up the skies above Fort Sumter. In Manassas, Va., as many as 10,000 re-enactors will don uniforms of blue and gray to re-create the major battle there. Near Cape Hatteras lighthouse on North Carolina's Outer Banks, uniformed troops will replicate an amphibious assault. Monmouth County, New Jersey sounds the bugle on two dozen "edutainment" programs this week. In Pennsylvania "The Invasion of Pennsylvania" will begin in Greencastle, Pa. and Chambersburg will burn again on the weekend of April 15-16. (List of events in and around Gettysburg)

This week and throughout the next four years, travel to the more than 300 places where small and large battles occurred will be more compelling than ever.  The tourism industry around these sites has been gearing up with programs, reenactments and more, and awaits the influx of visitors to start now.