Almost a century and a half ago, there was nothing more hated in the states of the former Confederacy than the image of the carpetbagger on his way to buy up once-great plantations at fire-sale prices.

Fast forward to 2011. Virginia is eagerly anticipating the arrival of another type of carpetbagger. As the nation prepares to mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, interest in this event is sure to bring greenbacks into the state’s coffers in the form of tourism dollars.

Instead of carpetbags, the visitors from the north (and west and south, for that matter) will be carrying their belongings in Samsonite and Louis Vuitton bags as they take in the sights of the Old Dominion.

More major Civil War battles were fought in Virginia than in any other state. Virginia was home to the Confederate capital and many leaders, both North and South. History buffs are fascinated with the details of the campaigns, strategies and personalities of this conflict—and they a...