Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield, Source: U.S. Park Service

During the Civil War, the historic town of Petersburg played an important role in what has since been called the longest siege in American warfare.

Petersburg, located twenty five miles south of Richmond, was the Confederate Capital’s most prominent supplier. Petersburg had five railroads and thus the Union army had a strong desire to take control of it.

The Union army knew if they could cut off Richmond’s main line of supply, the city would be greatly weakened and susceptible to surrender. In June of 1864, Union General Ulysses S. Grant began his siege on Petersburg.

The Siege of Petersburg lasted nine and a half month and resulted in over 70,000 casualties.

The end of the siege resulted in Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House in April of 1865.

Today, the Petersburg National Battlefield stands as a monument to the valiant soldiers on both sides, and the bravery of the citizens of Petersburg, who held on for ten months in harsh conditions.

A full day visit is usually recommended to experience all the park has to offer.

The battlefields are located along a 33 mile loop. The park has 13 battlefield sites and 3 visitor centers.

The park map outlines a driving tour through the battlefields.

Location

Petersburg, Virginia is about 25 miles south of Richmond. The park stretches across the counties of Dinwiddle, Prince George, and Hopewell.

The park has three separate visitor centers.

Grant’s Headquarters at City Point is located at 1001 Pecan Avenue, Hopewell, Virginia.

The Eastern Front Visitor Center is located at 5001 Siege Road in Petersburg, Virginia.

Five Forks Battlefield is located at 9840 Courthouse Road, Dinwiddle, Virginia.

Hours and Admission

The Petersburg Battlefield grounds are open daily from 8:30 a.m. until dusk.

Each of the visitor centers are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The centers are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Five Forks Battlefield, Poplar Grove National Cemetery, and Grant’s Headquarters at City Point all charge no admission.

The Eastern Front Visitor Center charges a fee of $5 per vehicle and $3 per individual.

Annual passes to the Petersburg National Battlefield can be purchased for $15.

Things to Do

Walking paths through the battlefields provide visitors the opportunity to get exercise and learn about history at the same time.

Outdoor hiking and bicycle trails are located at the Eastern Front location and the Five Forks Battlefield location.

Fishing is permitted at the Grant’s Headquarters unit.

Maps are provided to visitors who wish to complete the driving tour of the park. The driving tour covers 33 miles, with 13 stops.