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General Lee Attacks Philadelphia An Alternative History Tour

New To The Site! Philadelphia, USA
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from $50 per person

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2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

It is June 1863. The Confederate Army is marching into Pennsylvania. If they win the next battle, is Philadelphia next?

Step into the panic of the "Great Scare" on this immersive 2-hour walking tour that treats history like a live crisis. While other tours focus on 1776, we investigate the terrifying summer of 1863, when Philadelphia—the second-largest city in the Union—braced for a Confederate invasion.

Why this tour? This isn't a standard sightseeing walk; it is an investigation into the "what ifs" of the Civil War. Led by an expert guide, you will scrutinize the logistical nightmares and leadership decisions that saved the Union. You will analyze hidden history in plain sight and discover just how close the city—and the nation—came to collapse.

What's Included

  • Walking tour

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    John F Kennedy Boulevard
    Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    South 6th Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

    The tour ends at the back of Independence Hall, at the corner of 6th and Sansom Streets

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
    Read more

    Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

    15th St Trolley Station

    See: Stand beneath the massive statue of General George B. McClellan on the north side of City Hall.Learn: We analyze the Union's command structure and the sheer scale of Philadelphia's logistical power. You will learn why the city's rail hub status made it a target, but also why an attack by Lee would have been a logistical nightmare for the Confederates.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Union League of Philadelphia

    See: View the opulent French Renaissance-style clubhouse of the Union League, founded in 1862.Learn: Discover how this institution became the financial engine of the war effort. We discuss how Philadelphia's wealthy elite funded the regiments that Lee could not defeat, proving that wars are won by economies as much as armies.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    The Philadelphia Sketch Club

    See: Walk down the historic "Little Club Row" on Camac Street.Learn: We analyze the connection to the "Great Central Fair" (Sanitary Fair). You will understand how civilian efforts and art exhibitions transformed political decisions—including the push for Emancipation—into tangible war funds and supplies.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    808 Locust St

    See: Stand before the historic Musical Fund Hall.Learn: Discuss this building's role as a center for political activity, including the first Republican National Convention in 1856. We explore how cultural mobilization helped sustain public support for the war when morale was at its lowest.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Pennsylvania Hospital - Historic Tours

    See: Stroll through the Physic Gardens of the first hospital in the United States.Learn: We use this stop—the nation's premier medical hub during the 1860s—to analyze the immense logistical and moral dilemma facing Lee's invasion force: what do you do with thousands of wounded men in enemy territory?
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

    Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church

    See: Visit the oldest ground continuously owned by African Americans in the United States.Learn: Understand the powerful role of Philadelphia's free Black community. We discuss the recruitment of Black soldiers (USCT) and the moral political strength that the Confederacy underestimated and could not defeat.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Washington Square

    See: Walk through this scenic square to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.Learn: Few visitors realize this park is a mass grave for thousands of Revolutionary War soldiers. We honor the continuity of sacrifice, linking the struggles of the American Revolution directly to the bloodshed of the Civil War.
    Read more

    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Independence Hall

    See: The tour concludes in the shadow of the birthplace of the nation.Learn: We connect the chaos of 1863 back to the promises of 1776. We discuss how the Civil War didn't just test the nation—it forged a "more perfect union" by finally securing the abolition of slavery and cementing the Federal power that was born in this very building.Admission Ticket Not Included (Exterior Visit)
    Read more

    15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 7 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the General Lee Attacks Philadelphia An Alternative History Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-5621213P1


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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Philadelphia customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the General Lee Attacks Philadelphia An Alternative History Tour?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Walking tour.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the General Lee Attacks Philadelphia An Alternative History Tour is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for General Lee Attacks Philadelphia An Alternative History Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Philadelphia. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Walking tour

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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