~Step Into the Past~
Discover the War that Changed America
Journey through personal artifacts, rare documents, and overlooked perspectives. Our museum invites you to see beyond the headlines and into the heart of the 1860s.
Welcome to the Museum and Library of Confederate History.
Located in Greenville, South Carolina, our museum invites you to explore the rich and complex story of the Southern people before, during, and after the War Between the States. We preserve and present original artifacts, personal stories, and historical records that give voice to those who lived through one of the most defining chapters of American history.
Admission is free and open to the public. Tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted. Be sure to visit our Museum Gift Shop during your stay.
Enter into History
Greeting visitors as they approach the museum, one of its most impressive and enduring artifacts stands proudly on display—a fully restored Model 1857 12-pound Napoleon cannon, mounted on a #2 gun carriage. Weighing over a ton and capable of firing various types of ammunition—including solid shot, shell, and canister—this cannon has welcomed guests for more than a decade.
Originally built by the Stafford Wheel and Carriage Company in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, it remains a striking symbol of the artillery used during the War Between the States and a favorite photo opportunity for visitors.
Explore the past
Whether you’re tracing your ancestry or diving deep into Civil War history, our onsite library offers a wealth of resources—from original veteran memoirs and official war reports to Confederate soldier rosters from South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Entire sections are devoted to key battles like Gettysburg and to the broader social and political history of the South.
Through Southern Eyes
THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES—TOLD DIFFERENTLY
Our museum doesn’t just tell Civil War history—we also document the hardships and heroism that followed. Learn about the Reconstruction-era Red Shirts, South Carolinians who resisted federal occupation and helped restore local government under leaders like General Wade Hampton.
Whether you’re a student, a scholar, or simply curious, we invite you to experience history with us. Explore our exhibits and library, attend a lecture or ceremony, and discover how the past shapes who we are today.
Insights
Explore how history influences our present and shapes our identity.
