Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield is a 2,740 acre park 25 miles south of Richmond that protects land involved in the siege of Petersburg in 1864-65. It contains four separate units including the Eastern Front Visitor Center and Park Tour Road, Five Forks Battlefield, City Point Unit and Poplar Grove National Cemetery. It was established as Petersburg National Military Park in 1926 and redesignated in 1962 before being listed on the US National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

Petersburg National Battlefield, located near Petersburg, Virginia, preserves the sites of the pivotal Siege of Petersburg, which lasted from June 1864 to April 1865. This prolonged military campaign was one of the longest and most complex of the Civil War, ultimately leading to the fall of Richmond and the surrender of General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

The Siege Begins

Union General Ulysses S. Grant aimed to cut off Confederate supply lines to Petersburg, a vital railroad hub supporting the Confederate capital of Richmond. The siege began with a series of battles and skirmishes as Union forces attempted to encircle the city2. Despite initial Confederate successes, Union troops gradually tightened their grip, constructing extensive trench systems and fortifications.

Key Battles and Events

Several key battles marked the course of the siege, including the Battle of the Crater, where Union forces attempted to break the Confederate lines by detonating a mine beneath their fortifications. Although the explosion created a massive crater, the Union attack ultimately failed due to poor coordination and fierce Confederate resistance.

Another significant event was the Battle of Fort Stedman, where Confederate forces launched a surprise attack in an attempt to break the Union siege. The attack initially succeeded but was ultimately repelled, resulting in heavy Confederate casualties and weakening their defensive positions2.

The Fall of Petersburg

After nine and a half months of continuous fighting, the Union forces finally broke through the Confederate lines in early April 1865. The fall of Petersburg forced Confederate troops to evacuate Richmond, leading to its capture by Union forces on April 3, 18652. Six days later, General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War.

Visiting Petersburg National Battlefield

Today, Petersburg National Battlefield offers visitors a chance to explore the historic sites and learn about the events that took place during the siege. The Eastern Front Visitor Center provides exhibits, films, and interpretive displays that detail the battle strategies and the daily life of soldiers and civilians during the siege3. A motor tour route allows visitors to see key locations such as Fort Stedman, The Crater, and Poplar Grove National Cemetery.

The park also hosts living history events, ranger-led tours, and educational programs that bring the history of the siege to life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to connect with America’s past, Petersburg National Battlefield offers a rich and educational experience.

Plan your visit today and step back in time to explore the grounds where pivotal moments in the Civil War unfolded, shaping the course of American history.