Sayler's Creek Battlefield facts for kids
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Sayler's Creek Battlefield
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View from Ewell's right across Sayler's Creek (Hillsman House in background), 1936 NPS photo
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Amelia / Prince Edward counties, Virginia, USA |
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| Nearest city | Farmville, Virginia |
| Area | 1,022 acres (4.14 km2) |
| Architect | Overton |
| Architectural style | Colonial, 1 1/2 stories |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002436 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 4, 1985 |
| Designated NHL | February 4, 1985 |
Sayler's Creek Battlefield is a very important historical site near Farmville, Virginia. It was the location of a major battle during the American Civil War. This battle happened on April 6, 1865. It was a critical moment for the Confederate army led by General Robert E. Lee. His soldiers were trying to escape from the cities of Richmond and Petersburg.
At Sayler's Creek, Union General Philip Sheridan and his troops attacked Lee's army. They managed to cut off and defeat about a quarter of Lee's forces. This was a huge loss for the Confederates. Eight Confederate generals surrendered during this battle. About 7,700 Confederate soldiers were captured or lost. One of the captured generals was George Washington Custis Lee, who was Robert E. Lee's oldest son. He was captured by Private David Dunnels White. This battle was the last major fight in Virginia during the war. Just three days later, General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Today, part of this historic area is a state park called Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park.
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What Happened at Sayler's Creek?
The Battle of Sayler's Creek was actually three smaller battles fought close together. These were:
- The Battle of Hillsman's Farm
- The Battle of Marshall's Cross Roads (also called Harper's Farm)
- The Battle of Lockett's Farm (also called Double Bridges)
The Hillsman House was owned by Captain James Hillsman. It became a hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers after the fighting. You can still see bloodstains on the floor from that time. The Lockett house is also still standing in its original condition. The Christian house is another historic building in the area.
Protecting the Battlefield
The Sayler's Creek Battlefield was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1985. This means it's a very important place in American history. The area has not changed much since 1865. This helps visitors imagine what it was like during the battle.
The Civil War Trust (now part of the American Battlefield Trust) has worked hard to protect this land. Since 1996, they have helped save about 885 acres (3.58 km2) of the battlefield. This helps make sure future generations can learn about this important event.
Visiting the Battlefield
The battlefield is located on Virginia Routes 617, 618, and 619. It's in Amelia and Prince Edward counties, near Farmville and Burkeville.
If you visit the park, you might see "costumed interpreters." These are people dressed in Civil War-era clothing. They help bring history to life. During April, around the anniversary of the battle, "living history" performers are also active. They show what life was like during the war.
How the Name Changed
The land was first named in the 1700s after a farmer named Saylor. During the Civil War, the name changed slightly to Sayler. Some official records even spelled it "Sailor." The state park uses the name "Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park."
