Petersburg National Battlefield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Petersburg National Battlefield |
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Restored entrance to the mine destroyed in the Battle of the Crater
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 Petersburg National Battlefield
Location in Virginia
Petersburg National Battlefield
Location in the United States
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| Location | Southeast Virginia, United States |
| Nearest city | Petersburg, Virginia |
| Area | 9,368 acres (37.91 km2) |
| Established | July 3, 1926 |
| Visitors | 213,261 (in 2011) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Petersburg National Battlefield |
| Designated: | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference #: | 66000831 |
Petersburg National Battlefield is a special place managed by the National Park Service. It helps us remember important events from the American Civil War. This park protects the sites where the Siege of Petersburg happened between 1864 and 1865.
The battlefield is close to Petersburg, Virginia. It also includes other areas in Hopewell, Prince George County, and Dinwiddie County. More than 140,000 people visit this historic park every year.
Contents
Exploring Petersburg Battlefield
Petersburg National Battlefield is made up of several important sections. Each part tells a different story about the long siege.
Eastern Front Visitor Center: Your Starting Point
The Eastern Front Visitor Center is the main place to begin your visit. It is located east of Petersburg, Virginia, off Virginia Route 36. Here, you can see exhibits and watch movies about the Siege of Petersburg. You can also visit Battery #5, an important early battle site.
From the Visitor Center, you can drive along a special park tour road. This road takes you to famous spots like Fort Stedman and The Crater.
Five Forks Battlefield: A Turning Point
About 14 miles southwest of Petersburg, you'll find the Five Forks Battlefield. This area in Dinwiddie County was the site of the Battle of Five Forks. This battle greatly weakened the Confederate Army.
Some people called it the "Waterloo of the Confederacy." The events here led to Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House.
City Point Unit: A Busy Supply Hub
The City Point unit is next to the James River in Hopewell. During the Siege of Petersburg, City Point was a huge supply and command center. The Union Army used it to bring in supplies and plan their actions. It is part of the City Point Historic District.
Poplar Grove National Cemetery: Honoring Soldiers
The Petersburg National Battlefield also manages the Poplar Grove National Cemetery. This 8.72-acre cemetery is a place where soldiers who fought in the war are buried. It helps us remember their sacrifices.
History of the Park
- 1926: The park was first created on July 3, 1926. It was called Petersburg National Military Park.
- 1933: On August 10, 1933, the park's management moved to the National Park Service.
- 1962: The park's name changed to Petersburg National Battlefield on August 24, 1962.
- 1966: It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. This list recognizes important historical sites.
Images for kids
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Battery XVI in the Main Unit
