Petersburg National Battlefield

Petersburg National Battlefield, located in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, is a historic site that preserves the historical significance of the Petersburg Campaign during the American Civil War. Spanning 2,700 acres, the battlefield offers visitors a glimpse into the dramatic events that unfolded in this strategic location.

During the Civil War, Petersburg played a crucial role as a supply hub for the Confederate Army, making it a prime target for the Union forces. The first Battle of Petersburg took place on June 15, 1864, triggering a nearly 10-month-long siege that ultimately led to the fall of the city and Confederate surrender in April 1865. The battlefield commemorates the sacrifices made by both Union and Confederate soldiers during this extended campaign.

At Petersburg National Battlefield, visitors can explore various well-preserved historical sites, including battlefield trenches, earthworks, and artillery positions. Notable attractions within the park include the Petersburg Visitor Center, which offers informative exhibits and a short film about the campaign, and the Eastern Front Visitor Center, which provides insights into the Battle of the Crater. Additionally, there are several walking trails and driving tours available for visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the site.

Nearby attractions to Petersburg National Battlefield include the Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, which is located just a few miles away. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the life of the Civil War soldier, showcasing artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs.

Overall, Petersburg National Battlefield offers a rich historical experience for those interested in learning about the events of the Civil War. With its well-preserved sites, educational facilities, and proximity to other historical attractions, the battlefield provides a comprehensive understanding of the significant role Petersburg played during this tumultuous time in American history.

Petersburg National Battlefield is located in the southeastern region of the state of Virginia. Nestled along the banks of the Appomattox River, this historical site encompasses a vast area of approximately 2,700 acres. Geographically, it is situated just south of the James River, about 23 miles south of Richmond, the state's capital. With its diverse terrain, including rolling hills, open fields, dense forests, and waterways, the location offers a scenic and immersive experience for visitors to explore and understand the significant events that unfolded during the American Civil War.

Address & Contact

Petersburg National Battlefield
Eastern Front Unit Visitor Center
Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg, VA 23803
Driving Directions
Phone: 8047323531
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Petersburg National Battlefield would be during the months of May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 72°F to 82°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months ranges from 3.5 in to 4.7 in, providing a relatively moderate amount of rainfall. These months also attract fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months, ensuring a more tranquil and less crowded experience.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Petersburg National Battlefield are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Self-Guided Tours - Auto Mountain Biking Freshwater Fishing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Petersburg National Battlefield: Animals Birds Military African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Battlefields Wars and Conflicts Civil War National Cemetery

Visitor Centers

General Grant's Headquarters at City Point

Station is located in the former plantation home of the Eppes Family. When open, visitors can view a 15 minute video and tour the first floor of the home including a room with interpretive exhibits and two rooms with original 18th and 19th century furniture that belonged to the Eppes Family. Exhibits focus on the Union Army's occupation of City Point, as well as the lives of the free and enslaved people who lived on the plantation before the war.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: General Grant's Headquarters at City Point.

Campsites within or near Petersburg National Battlefield

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Petersburg National Battlefield

Hilton Garden Inn Richmond South/Southpark

When you stay at Hilton Garden Inn Richmond South/Southpark in Colonial Heights, you'll be in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Southpark Mall and Appomattox River. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. This hotel has 5 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 800 Southpark Blvd, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834
Web: Link

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Petersburg, VA

Located in Petersburg, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Petersburg, VA is a 5-minute drive from Old Blandford Church and 5 minutes from Dogwood Trace Golf Course. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk.
Address: 130 Wagner Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805
Web: Link

OYO Hotel Petersburg VA I-95 & E Washington St

Located in Petersburg, OYO Hotel Petersburg VA I-95 & E Washington St is within a 15-minute walk of Old Blandford Church and Centre Hill Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a vending machine. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 25 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, Virginia 23803
Web: Link

WoodSpring Suites Richmond Colonial Heights Fort Lee

With a stay at WoodSpring Suites Richmond Colonial Heights Fort Lee in Colonial Heights, you'll be in the business district, just a 3-minute walk from Appomattox River and 15 minutes by foot from Southpark Mall. Featured amenities include express check-out, laundry facilities, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 255 Jennick Dr, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834
Web: Link

California Inn

With a stay at California Inn in Petersburg, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Old Blandford Church and Farmers Bank. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2214 County Dr, Petersburg, Virginia 23803-47
Web: Link

Motel 6 Petersburg, VA - Fort Lee

With a stay at Motel 6 Petersburg, VA - Fort Lee in Petersburg, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Old Blandford Church and Centre Hill Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 25 N. Little Church St., Petersburg, Virginia 23803
Web: Link

Extended Stay America Suites Colonial Heights Fort Lee

With a stay at Extended Stay America Suites Colonial Heights Fort Lee in Colonial Heights, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Appomattox River and Southpark Mall. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and an elevator.
Address: 441 Charles H Dimmock Pkwy, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834
Web: Link

Petersburg VA Hotel

When you stay at Petersburg VA Hotel in Petersburg, you'll be near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of Old Blandford Church and Centre Hill Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Planning an event in Petersburg? This hotel has 750 square feet (70 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. A shuttle from the hotel to the airport is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 524 E Washington St, Petersburg, Virginia 23803
Web: Link

Travel Inn Petersburg Fort Lee

With a stay at Travel Inn Petersburg Fort Lee in Petersburg, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Fort Lee and Old Blandford Church. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 530 E Washington St, Petersburg, Virginia 23803
Web: Link

Travelodge by Wyndham Petersburg

With a stay at Travelodge by Wyndham Petersburg in Petersburg, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Old Blandford Church and Farmers Bank. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 12205 S Crater Rd Suite 102, Petersburg, Virginia 23805
Web: Link