Established in 1645 with the construction of Fort Henry, Petersburg is a historic city to the south of Virginia’s capital, Richmond. It lies on the banks of the Appomattox River and played an important role in the Union Army's strategy to capture the Confederate States during the American Civil War.
Things to do in Petersburg
One of Petersburg’s most impressive buildings is the Centre Hill Mansion, which was built by a Revolutionary War veteran, Robert Bolling IV, in 1823. It served as a Union headquarters in the wake of the conflict and was visited by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its period-furnished rooms are open to the public on guided tours.
If you’re interested in the events that took place here during the Civil War, spend a day touring the sites of the Petersburg National Battlefield. Browse the exhibits detailing the Siege of Petersburg at the Eastern Front Visitor Center before visiting the battle sites of Fort Stedman and The Crater. A short drive south-west of Petersburg is the Five Forks Battlefield, where the “Waterloo of the Confederacy” took place in 1865.
On the opposite side of the Appomattox River from Downtown Petersburg is Violet Bank, a historic plantation dating back to the late 18th century. It stands as an impressive example of the Federal architectural style and houses an outstanding collection of decorative arts and artefacts. In addition to Civil War-era weapons, furnishings and swords, there are ceramics, textiles and glassware on display.
Getting around Petersburg
Petersburg is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Richmond and Richmond International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Regular buses connect to Petersburg, although renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the city.