WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Center of Military History launches the Army History Trails website today, a multimedia history experience showcasing Revolutionary War battles. Each trail represents a military campaign or significant battle in the war.
The Army History trails are available from the National Museum of the U.S. Army website. This first set of trails represents the “Founding the Nation” gallery and focuses on the American Revolution. Eventually, all seven galleries at the National Museum will be represented by a series of Army trails.
The Trails are designed for web-based exploration or to enhance on location visits to these battle sites. They have multiple segments that are geolocated to specific stopping points with images of artifacts and artwork from that event. The text includes eyewitness accounts of the event with brief historical context.
Anyone can access the trails using a computer or handheld device such as a cell phone or iPad. No matter where you are, these trails allow the user to explore and experience historical events whether you are at home or on the site.
“Army Trails is an innovative way to extend the National Army Museum’s stories and exhibits from the museum campus to the places where Army history happened.” Said Charles R. Bowery, Jr., Executive Director of the Center of Military History. “It will be a fun and educational tool for students, history buffs, travelers, veterans, really anyone interested in American history.”
The Army History trails have been in development for over a year. Through a combined effort of Army historians, archivists and museum curators, numerous artifacts and historical documents have been used to provide an accurate first-hand experience to historical events.
Army Historian, Captain Jonathan D. Bratten, initially developed the Army History Trails program in partnership with the Army Gaming Studio. Bratten said that “Army Trails is unique because it’s a chance for the user to see artifacts and art in the Army’s collection without having to travel to a museum.”
Another advantage that Bratten points out is how “it can be used by units planning staff rides or for families planning road trips. Its real strength is how versatile it is.”
Dr. Erik B. Villard, the Army History Trails program manager, takes pride in how these trails focus on individual Soldier stories.
“Army Trails offers an eye-witness perspective of important events in Army history, allowing users to read the letters, memoirs, and other documents written by the participants who lived through those events. In future phases of Army Trails, users will also be able to listen to those quotations using a built-in audio player and featuring the voices of currently serving soldiers.” Villard Said.
The focus of the first set of trails is perfect timing as we begin an eight-year commemoration period for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in the spring of 2025. Using the Army History trails is a great way for people of all ages to learn more about the war and the Army’s essential role in establishing the United States.
“Those who use the trails should come away with a better appreciation for what it was like to be a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and to learn more about the history of the U.S. Army.” Said Villard. “It is an entertaining and easy way to explore history.”
The Army History Trails currently includes four battles from the war: Lexington and Concord, the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, Bunker Hill and Yorktown. Throughout the year additional battles of the American Revolution will be added. All Revolutionary War battles will be available by early 2026.
Visit the National Army Museum website and start exploring the Army History Trails today. Go to https://www.thenmusa.org/
For more information about the U.S. Army Center of Military History or for media queries please contact the CMH Public Affairs Officer, Mr. F. Lee Reynolds, at francis.l.reynolds.civ@army.mil.
Photo Captions:
Photo 1: Battle of Lexington and Concord Trail
Photo 2: Battle of Lexington and Concord Segments
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| Date Taken: | 03.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2025 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 493032 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
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