Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield Welcome to the official page for Petersburg National Battlefield.
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Petersburg National Battlefield consists of four units spanning across 37 miles of land in South Side Virginia. From June, 1864 - April, 1865 Union forces sought to cut off all supply lines into the City in order to starve the Confederate troops who were protecting Richmond's main supply base. Four visitor centers, a park tour road, and self-guided trails provide an opportunity for visitors to lea

rn more about the longest military event of the Civil War in which 70,000 soldiers became casualties.

The Opening Assaults were a series of battles that took place from June 15-18, 1864. Each day was an attempt by the U.S....
06/18/2026

The Opening Assaults were a series of battles that took place from June 15-18, 1864. Each day was an attempt by the U.S. Army to push into the City of Petersburg. Petersburg became an objective for the U.S. Army due to its logistical importance to Richmond. Four railroads, a canal, and at least four major wagon roads ran into Petersburg, making it an important industrial center in 1860. Petersburg was encircled by a ring of defensive works called the Dimmock Line. These works were commanded by General P.G.T. Beauregard.
For four days, U.S. soldiers from the Army of the Potomac fought to push through Petersburg’s defenses. During these battles, soldiers displayed signs of severe strain and exhaustion. Many of these soldiers had been locked in a state of constant movement and combat since early May. General Grant ordered an end to offensive operations on the evening of June 18. He further ordered them to “use the spade for their protection” and begin siege operations. It was from this point where the nine-months-long siege of Petersburg begins.

Image: “The tired soldier – a sketch from life at Petersburg during the siege/Edwin Forbes.” June 19 1864 (Library of Congress)

PETE 100 Series: As we celebrate a century as a park, we’re revisiting the events that shaped Petersburg National Battle...
06/17/2026

PETE 100 Series: As we celebrate a century as a park, we’re revisiting the events that shaped Petersburg National Battlefield, one decade at a time.

The 1970s: Living history at Stop 3

While reenactments had been taking place since at least the 1930s, living history at Petersburg National Battlefield truly flourished in the 1970s. The emphasis shifted toward sharing history and gaining insight into soldiers’ experiences by depicting aspects of their lives beyond recreations of battles.

In 1973, a reconstructed earthwork was built at Stop 3 on the Eastern Front. Each summer, as many as 20 seasonal costumed living historians offered demonstrations there and at Fort Stedman. Programs included the well-known Confederate horsedrawn artillery demonstration and a Union encampment at Stop 3. A sutler’s store at the site even sold root beer.

The recreated earthwork remains popular with visitors today. Although this large-scale living history program ended in 2000, the park continues to partner with volunteer groups to offer living history events throughout the year. The next program will be held July 25 in honor of the Battle of the Crater anniversary.

(NPS Photo)
Alt text: Living historians wearing Confederate soldier uniforms stand behind logs and sandbags forming the walls of a reconstructed earthwork.

PETE 100 Series: As we celebrate a century as a park, we’re revisiting the events that shaped Petersburg National Battle...
06/16/2026

PETE 100 Series: As we celebrate a century as a park, we’re revisiting the events that shaped Petersburg National Battlefield, one decade at a time.

The 1960s: A new visitor center

During the 1950-60s, the National Park Service launched Mission 66, a nationwide effort to modernize parks as tourism surged after World War II. At Petersburg, this era brought major changes: parts of the tour road and overpasses still in use today were built, a new maintenance complex rose on the Eastern Front, and the familiar entrance sign on Route 36 was installed.

The centerpiece of this transformation was the new Eastern Front Visitor Center. Completed in 1967, the building was designed to resemble a fortification constructed around its exhibits, many of which, including the moat exhibit, remain on display today. We’ve added updated exhibits in recent years, so if it has been a while since your last visit, stop by. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Below are photos of the building under construction and several of the original exhibits.
(NPS Photos)

Alt text: Three black-and-white photos: one showing the framework of a large building under construction; one showing a round room with a circular map and people seated nearby; and one showing exhibit panels in a museum with a visitor reading one.

At the conclusion of the Petersburg Campaign, U.S. Brevet Major General Henry Hunt, the Army of the Potomac's chief of a...
06/14/2026

At the conclusion of the Petersburg Campaign, U.S. Brevet Major General Henry Hunt, the Army of the Potomac's chief of artillery, reported that the army had 202 field artillery pieces and 200 siege guns and mortars. That staggering total did not even include the artillery of the Armies of the James and the Shenandoah! Want to learn more about Civil War artillery? Stop by the Eastern Front Visitor Center on Sunday, June 28 for our next artillery program! The park’s living history crew will be portraying Federal artillerists. They'll be firing our reproduction Napoleon and explaining what life was like for the soldiers who worked the guns. Come by the visitor center any time between 1:30-3:30 p.m. to enjoy the program.
This program is weather permitting. Petersburg National Battlefield’s interpretive programs are free to the public.

Image: "Battery of mortars and light twelves, Lt. Jackson, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, 18th Corps" by Alfred Waud, 1864 (Library of Congress)

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress created the Continental Army. This was the beginning of the United States ...
06/14/2026

On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress created the Continental Army. This was the beginning of the United States Army. June 14 is also Flag Day. It marks the day the United States adopted the Stars and Stripes as its official flag in 1777. For almost 250 years, the American flag has been a symbol of freedom, unity, and pride.
At Petersburg National Battlefield, these two observances help us remember the soldiers who served our nation. During the Civil War, thousands of soldiers fought, worked, and lived on the land that is now part of the park. Their stories help us learn about the people and events that shaped the United States.
The U.S. Army's Birthday and Flag Day remind us of the men and women who have served under our nation’s flag. Their dedication and hard work have helped protect the country for generations.
As we celebrate these two anniversaries, visit Petersburg National Battlefield and explore the stories preserved here. By learning about the past, we can better understand the people, events, and choices that helped shape our nation.

By June 1864, the residents of Petersburg had endured the strain of faraway war. Everything changed when the war came to...
06/13/2026

By June 1864, the residents of Petersburg had endured the strain of faraway war. Everything changed when the war came to their doorsteps. Discover how the people of Virginia’s second largest city experienced, adapted to, and persisted through an unimaginable ordeal.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Meet at the South Side Depot/Petersburg Visitor Center 37 River Street, Petersburg, VA
• Please wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water, program includes a one-mile walk.
• Program is subject to cancellation due to weather or other issues.
• Programs presented as part of are a partnership between Petersburg National Battlefield and Petersburg Battlefields Foundation.

Image: “Petersburg, Virginia. The first Federal wagon train entering the town.” John Reekie. 1865 April. (Library of Congress)

Celebrate Hooray for Hopewell History in downtown Hopewell and City Point on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - ...
06/12/2026

Celebrate Hooray for Hopewell History in downtown Hopewell and City Point on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Visit the Eppes family plantation home/visitor center and tour General Grant's Cabin with extended hours until 6:00 p.m. Stop by one of the partner booths outside and learn more about Civil War history at the park's education trailer. In the evening the Chesterfield Concert Band will playing on the lawn overlooking the Appomattox River. The grounds will be open until 10:00 p.m. for fireworks viewing. For more information, including the shuttle schedule, check out the schedule of events for downtown Hopewell at https://ow.ly/f0Mu50Z81go

After the worst of the fighting at Cold Harbor, General Grant made the decision to withdraw and find a new objective. Th...
06/11/2026

After the worst of the fighting at Cold Harbor, General Grant made the decision to withdraw and find a new objective. This turned out to be the logistical center of Petersburg, 40 miles to the south. Moving his army of approximately 115,000 men was a challenge. The route there involved crossing three rivers, navigating through swamps and dusty roads. All the while Grant had to keep the Army of Northern Virginia unaware. Grant began moving his men June 11. The XVIII Corps moved first with directions to head directly towards Petersburg on boats. The rest of the army moved south and crossed the James River using a 2,100ft long pontoon bridge. As this took place, the V Corps remained at Cold Harbor to act as a diversion only to rejoin the army later. As troops withdrew from the trenches at Cold Harbor, they muffled their tin cups and bayonets. Regimental bands played to mask the sounds of marching. The IX Corps disguised their withdrawal so well that Confederates continued to fire an hour after they had left. On June 13, Confederate troops were shocked to discover the empty trenches before them. Grant’s entire army had given Lee’s army the slip, only to reappear days later outside Petersburg on June 15.

Image: “Army of the James, pontoon bridges across James River at Deep Bottom and Varina” Photographed between 1861-1865. (Library of Congress)

PETE 100 Series: As we celebrate a century as a park, we’re revisiting the events that shaped Petersburg National Battle...
06/10/2026

PETE 100 Series: As we celebrate a century as a park, we’re revisiting the events that shaped Petersburg National Battlefield, one decade at a time.

The 1950s: Sidney King paintings

In the 1950s, the National Park Service worked with artist Sidney King to bring more than 180 historic scenes to life across the eastern United States. King used the existing landscape, historical accounts, and archeology to inform each painting. He also used specially formulated paints designed to withstand outdoor weather, as the works were meant to be displayed near the places they depicted.

At Petersburg, King created paintings of the Battle of Fort Stedman (shown below), Batteries 5 and 9 during the opening assaults, the charge of the 1st Maine, and the Battle of the Crater. While the original artworks are now stored in the museum collection, their images appear on today’s interpretive signs and are still considered accurate by historians.

(NPS Photo)

Alt text: Black-and-white photo of two men standing outside beside a large upright painting in a metal frame. The painting depicts the Battle of Fort Stedman, with a smaller sign below describing the battle.

June 9, 1864: The Battle of Old Men and Young Boys was between 4,600 U.S. soldiers and roughly 625 Confederate soldiers....
06/09/2026

June 9, 1864: The Battle of Old Men and Young Boys was between 4,600 U.S. soldiers and roughly 625 Confederate soldiers. Petersburg had defensive works around the city. However, there were very few soldiers to man them, including 125 local conscripts, and many men old and young. General Benjamin Butler and the Army of the James had orders to strike the railroads going into Petersburg. Miscommunication and uncoordinated movements resulted in the Federal Army not using all available forces on hand. This resulted in the Federals withdrawing with little fighting. Newspapers after the battle reported that the attack was made entirely by U.S. cavalry (1,400 soldiers). This ignored the presence of General Gilmore’s 3,300 infantrymen, who spent the day on standby. After the battle, Butler remarked “I hope the next town we attack we shall get near enough for the enemy to know we are there.” Bulter noted that his men were defeated by “old men and boys, the grave and the cradle being robbed.” Casualties for the battle number 120 total.

Image: “Petersburg, Virginia.” [Photographed between 1861 and 1865, printed later] (Library of Congress)

Address

Fort Lee, VA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18047323531

Website

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