(CNN) -- Audiences will be getting a new look at Abraham Lincoln this weekend with the wide release of director Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," and they'll be seeing a lot of America, too. 

The film, which recreates the former president's life through the crucible of the Civil War, was filmed at several historic locations. Lincoln's life took him through a number of states before and during the war, which gave Spielberg and his crew a wide geographic canvas. 

It was while shooting "War of the Worlds" in Rockbridge County, Virginia, that Spielberg began discussing returning to the state, said Andy Edmunds, interim director of the Virginia Film Office. Edmunds worked with production designer Rick Carter for nine years, helping him scout locations across the state. 

Yet there is so much more to Lincoln than the movie that bears his name. 

For history and film buffs looking to explore Lincoln's life, here are five locales that go beyond a trek to the National Mall. 

DON'T watch these 11 movies on a plane 

City Point: Hopewell, Virginia 

One of Spielberg's Virginia stops was City Point, now Hopewell, which served as Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. 

Lincoln spent two weeks there in 1865 with his family, traveling aboard the war ship River Queen, which filmmakers replicated in full, said Rita McClenny, chief executive officer of the Virginia Tourism Board. 

From there, Lincoln watched the fall of Petersburg, later visiting the city, which was also shot on location, Edmunds said. 

Indeed, many pivotal wartime decisions "were made on Virginia soil," McClenny said. 
Where was "War of the Worlds" shot?
In what city?
What is the last name of the director at the film office?
And his first name?
Is he the permanent director?
What term described his position specifically?
Who was at the helm of "Lincoln"?
What is the first name of the man that the film is about?
What war was occurring at the time of the film's setting?
Were famously known locals used in the filming?
What is the surname of the production designer?
What city was Grant's base at one point?
Is that city called something different now?
What?
What sort of release was the film given?
From what news outlet is this press release?
For how long did Edmunds collaborate with Carter?
How many?
How long did Lincoln stay in City Point?
In what year?
Virginia
It was while shooting "War of the Worlds" in Rockbridge County, Virginia,
Rockbridge County
It was while shooting "War of the Worlds" in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Edmunds
said Andy Edmunds, interim director of the Virginia Film Office.
Andy
 said Andy Edmunds, interim director of the Virginia Film Office.
No
said Andy Edmunds, interim director of the Virginia Film Office. 
Interim
 said Andy Edmunds, interim director of the Virginia Film Office.
Steven Spielberg
Audiences will be getting a new look at Abraham Lincoln this weekend with the wide release of director Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln,"
Abraham
Audiences will be getting a new look at Abraham Lincoln this weekend with the wide release of director Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," 
Civil War
The film, which recreates the former president's life through the crucible of the Civil War, 
Yes
The film, which recreates the former president's life through the crucible of the Civil War, was filmed at several historic locations.
Carter
dmunds worked with production designer Rick Carter
City Point
One of Spielberg's Virginia stops was City Point, now Hopewell, which served as Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. 
Yes
One of Spielberg's Virginia stops was City Point, now Hopewell, which served as Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. 
Hopewell
One of Spielberg's Virginia stops was City Point, now Hopewell, which served as Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. 
Wide
Audiences will be getting a new look at Abraham Lincoln this weekend with the wide release 
CNN
(CNN) -- Audiences will be getting a new look at Abraham Lincoln this weekend with the wide release of director Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln," and they'll be seeing a lot of America, too. 
Years
Edmunds worked with production designer Rick Carter for nine years, helping him scout locations across the state. 
Nine
. Edmunds worked with production designer Rick Carter for nine years, helping him scout locations across the state. 

Two weeks
One of Spielberg's Virginia stops was City Point, now Hopewell, which served as Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. 

Lincoln spent two weeks there in 1865 
1865
One of Spielberg's Virginia stops was City Point, now Hopewell, which served as Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters during the Siege of Petersburg. 

Lincoln spent two weeks there in 1865 with his family, traveling aboard the war ship River Queen, which filmmakers replicated in full, said Rita McClenny, chief executive officer of the Virginia Tourism Board. 