Petersburg Battlefield

The Battle of Petersburg lasted nine and a half months, from June 1864 to April 1865, and evidence of the sprawling military maneuvers that occurred during that time is preserved across south-central Virginia by numerous organizations. The National Park Service is on that list, with Petersburg National Battlefield showcasing the evolution of this land from a plantation maintained by enslaved workers through to its role in the siege.

Established as the Petersburg National Military Park in 1926 by the Department of War, the park preserves and interprets the battlefields, landscapes and military complexes tied to Civil War–era activity. Included in this rich history are Grant’s Headquarters at City Point, where General Grant’s 1864 log cabin and the preexisting Appomattox Plantation served as his office for the Petersburg Campaign. It is also home to the Eastern Front Visitor Center, which provides insight into the intensity of the fighting at Petersburg, as well as a glimpse into life in the trenches during the siege.

Given the campaign lasted 292 days and covered more than 3,000 acres, it can be challenging to see everything. This is where the park’s 33-mile driving tour comes in. Three visitor centers throughout the park highlight 13 unique sites — the full-day experience takes you through the major conflicts at Petersburg, including Fort Stedman, The Crater, Poplar Grove National Cemetery and the Five Forks Battlefield. While the park is open, staff offer a variety of talks, tours and living-history demonstrations throughout the year that offer a deeper look into the events throughout the site. Make sure to check their website for updated daily schedules.

If you can’t make it to Petersburg, the American Battlefield Trust has created a series of virtual-reality videos focusing on trench warfare in 1864. Step into the battlefield’s history from home as you experience the lives of soldiers on the front line at Petersburg National Battlefield.