Culloden, located just outside Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, is the site of one of the most significant and sobering moments in Scotland’s history. On April 16, 1746, the Battle of Culloden marked the violent end of the Jacobite uprising led by Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. In under an hour, the hopes of restoring the Stuart monarchy were crushed by government forces. Today, visitors walk the battlefield where over 1,500 Jacobite soldiers fell, many buried in mass graves marked by simple stone clan markers spread across the windswept moor.

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre offers an immersive experience, with a 360-degree battle simulation, artifacts from both armies, and interactive maps showing how the final clash unfolded. Original weapons, clothing, and personal letters help humanize the conflict, moving beyond legend to reveal the political and cultural divisions of the time. Outside, an audio-guided trail takes visitors through the field itself, past Leanach Cottage and the Memorial Cairn, which stands as a solemn tribute to those who died on both sides.

For travelers interested in genealogy, Culloden can be especially meaningful. Many Scottish clans were present on the field that day, and descendants often visit to find their clan stone among those scattered across the terrain. The visitor center also includes a searchable database where guests can learn if their family name appears in Jacobite records. The battlefield is part of the National Trust for Scotland, which has worked to preserve the land and prevent modern development from altering its historic integrity.