As the country commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War visiting historically significant sites from this difficult period in American history can provide lessons of inspiration, compassion and hope. Walking the cobblestone streets once occupied by troops, standing next to a stockade where men and women were once shackled as prisoners waiting to be sold into slavery and hearing the stories of heroic men and women who risked everything to lead slaves to freedom brings this period of conflict to life in a very personal way.