The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum — Attraction in Gordonsville

This is a privately owned museum covering many aspects of the Civil War era. At one time it was a three story hotel located at a train station where people had to change trains when traveling E/W and many times had to remain overnight. At various times this building has served as a hospital, saloon, hotel, school and who knows what else. It is now a museum with each space dedicated to a specialty available at some time during the middle/late 1800's with an emphasis on the Civil War timeframe. It is spread over three floors with four or five rooms to a floor with each room dedicated to a different subject. They are available by stairs only so handicapped may find the 2nd & 3rd floor somewhat of a challenge.

They have done a very nice job on the museum but it isn't quite as polished as many of the public funded institutions. Considering the expense of building and maintaining a facility like this, I think they have done exceptionally well. If you are in the Charlottesville area or travaling on I-64 and have an interest in the Civil War, this is well worth the short detour, especially the hospital portion.

Finally, there is a gift shop available and I'm sure they would appreciate you taking the time to shop. Perhaps you can find a little something to...

Each room shows a different aspect of the building's history from train depot to hotel to hospital during the Civil War. I brought my teenage son because I knew that his knowledge of the Civil War was very sketchy. By the time he walked out, he not only knew when the Civil War took place, but that wounded soldiers were brought to this hotel (converted to a hospital) by train from Manassas.

I thought the exhibits were well done, especially for a local museum. The most interesting exhibit was the room showing the surgeon's saws and tools used for amputations during the Civil War - stomach-turning but educational.

The museum is NOT wheelchair- or handicapped-accessible. You have to climb steep stairs to get to the second and third floors (no elevator in this historic building). If you're unsteady on your feet, this won't work but otherwise, if you're coming to Gordonsville, it's worth a visit. Afterward, you can walk across the railroad tracks to the popular local BBQ place, the...

This is a stop that is well worth the time and admission price. At first glance this does not look like a place that is worth the time, but don't miss out on an amazing hidden gem! It really shows the medical side of what it was like during the Civil War. We only had an hour and 15minutes to look around and all we got to do was just a quick look. We could easily have spent an entire afternoon in the 3 story building just reading and absorbing all the information and artifacts exhibited. The ghost stories were a part we didn't even begin to get into. Our next visit to the area, we will return to this one and devote at least 4 hours to it if not more. The lovely lady who was the docent was very kind and knowledgeable too! Add this to your itinerary. You will be...