Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park (Prince Edward County, Virginia), Rice, Virginia, U.S.A.
Entry sign, with the Overton-Hillsman House in the background
Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park (Prince Edward County, Virginia), Rice, Virginia, U.S.A. Location in Virginia Show map of Virginia Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park (Prince Edward County, Virginia), Rice, Virginia, U.S.A. Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	6541 Saylers Creek Road, (Prince Edward County), Rice, Virginia 23966
Area	341 acres (138 ha)
Established	1985
Governing body	Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is a large state park in Virginia. It covers about 321 acres. This park is famous because it was the site of the Battle of Sayler's Creek. This important battle happened on April 6, 1865.

It was one of the last major fights in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Confederate General Robert E. Lee's army fought here. This battle took place during his retreat from Richmond. It was just three days before he surrendered to Union Army General Ulysses S. Grant. That surrender effectively ended the Civil War.

The park was created in 1985 by the Commonwealth of Virginia. It helps people learn about this key moment in history.

Visiting Sailor's Creek Battlefield Park

Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park offers many things to see and do. You can explore the historic grounds where soldiers once fought. The park has a visitor center with interesting exhibits.

What to See and Do

• Visitor Center: The visitor center has displays with artifacts. These items help tell the story of the battle. You can learn about the soldiers and what happened here.
• Hillsman House: The historic Hillsman House is on the park grounds. During and after the battle, it was used as a field hospital. This means injured soldiers were cared for there. You can visit the house in the summer or by special request.
• Walking Trails: The park has walking trails for visitors. These trails let you explore the battlefield and its natural beauty. Interpretive plaques along the trails explain important events.
• Picnic Areas: There are picnic tables and barbecue grills available. You can enjoy a meal with your family or friends.
• Living History Events: Sometimes, the park hosts "living history" events. People dress up as Civil War soldiers and civilians. They show what life was like during that time. Park rangers also give talks and lectures.

The Name of the Park

The park's name, "Sailor's Creek," might seem a bit unusual. It appears to be a misspelling of "Saylor." The battle was named after a farmer named Saylor and a nearby stream. Some official records, like those from the National Historic Landmark program, use the name "Sayler's Creek Battlefield State Park."

Images for kids

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  A park ranger speaks to reenactors at the park, 2012

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  Displays in the Overton-Hillsman House

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  Exhibits at the visitor center

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  Items for sale in the gift shop

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  Lands along the Confederate Overlook Trail