1539 Hickory Hill Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531 or 804-732-3571
Fax: 804-732-3615
Open All Year
Overview. Encompassing the battlefields of a major Civil War offensive, the park commemorates the history of the Petersburg Campaign. General Ulysses S. Grant's army encountered General Robert E. Lee's troops in Petersburg while en route to the Confederate capital of Richmond. Located at the crossroads of four railroad lines and several major roadways, Petersburg was of vital strategic significance. Although Grant was finally able to cut Lee's supply lines, Union forces had great difficulties subduing the Confederate troops. The siege continued for nine and a half months. Several major battles and numerous trench-war skirmishes took place during this siege, which cost the lives of nearly 70,000 soldiers. The siege culminated in an assault against weakened Rebel forces at the Battle of Five Forks, which is often referred to as the "Waterloo of the Confederacy." Facing imminent defeat, Lee retreated west to Appomattox, where he surrendered on April 9, 1865. What to see and do. You could spend almost an entire day exploring the two main sections of this park. For an overview of the battle's military strategy, watch a 17-minute relief map presentation at the main visitor center (open 8 AM to 5 PM daily with extended summer hours). The highlight of any visit is the four-mile driving tour along the Park Tour road. Wayside stops feature exhibits and short walking trails. If you have walking shoes, you can explore the battlefield along 15 miles of unpaved trails. However, visitors are asked to remain on the trails as the historic earthworks are easily damaged by foot traffic. During the summer, kids can participate in a Junior Ranger program or hike along the 10-mile Boy Scout Historical Trail. After you have explored the main section of the park, drive eight miles northeast to City Points Unit in Hopewell, situated at the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers. These rivers served as a supply line for the Union army during the long siege and it was here at City Points that Grant established his headquarters. You will find a small visitor center in Appomattox Manor, which was built in 1763 and remained in the hands of the Eppes family for over a hundred years. Begin your tour with the once-enormous railroad and shipping junction, then pursue the exhibits and the two restored rooms. The center also features a 15-minute video. There are no formal trails on the 20-acre grounds, but you can stroll along the shore, stopping to read the informative markers and to look in the windows of Grant's furnished cabin. Some Civil War buildings still stand but are not open for viewing. Throughout the park, visitors are asked to picnic only at designated areas. School groups should make advance reservations, and can request a "Parks as Classroom" program during the school year. Most major buildings are handicapped-accessible. The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
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