Petersburg National Battlefield

Eastern Front Visitor Center

Thousands of people gather information about the park, view the park's video, and conduct research on Civil War ancestors from this visitor center.

Nine and a half months, 70,000 casualties, the suffering of civilians, thousands of U. S. Colored Troops fighting for the freedom of their race, and the decline of Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of No. Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. It was here Gen. Ulysses S. Grant cut off all of Petersburg's supply lines ensuring the fall of Richmond on April 3, 1865. Six days later, Lee surrendered.

Fort Fisher

Earthworks at Fort Fisher

Appomattox Plantation (Eppes Home)

This home and the grounds surrounding it were used by General Grant and his staff during the Siege of Petersburg.

Snow Covered Cannon

Soldiers spent months in the trenches around Petersburg, including snowy winter mornings.

Five Forks Visitor Contact Station

The Battle of Five Forks was nicknames the "Waterloo of the Confederacy" by Confederate General Thomas Munford.

Artillery Demonstration

Thousands of visitors learn the steps involved in firing off a Civil War cannon by members of the Pegram's Battery Reenactment Unit.

RecAreaDirections

The Eastern Front (Main) Visitor Center is located approximately 2.5 miles east of Rt. 95 off of Route 36 in Petersburg. If travelling north on Rt. 95, take exit 50D and follow signs to Wythe Street. Once on Wythe Street, travel 2.5 miles east to entrance of Battlefield. If travelling south on Rt. 95, take Exit 52 (Wythe Street). Again, travel about 2.5 miles to entrance.

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Facilities

Eastern Front Visitor Center Visitor Center

The Eastern Front Visitor Center is the park's main visitor center, including museum, gift shop, and 18 minute video. The Visitor Center is open every day, with limited services. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Visitor Center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Five Forks Visitor Contact Station (Closed Until Further Notice) Visitor Center

Contact station includes small exhibit area, book store, and 12 minute video.

General Grant's Headquarters at City Point Visitor Center

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. See closures listed.

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