PETERSBURG NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD 804-732-3531 x0
www.nps.gov/pete
5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, VA 23803
DIRECTIONS: I-295 South, - Rt. 36/Fort Lee exit - follow signs (approximately 1 mile)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: In June 1864 Ulysses S. Grant realized that the key to conquering Richmond was to bring down the remaining major supply source, Petersburg. Three days after an unsuccessful attack, Grant decided to surround the city and wear down the supply desperate Confederate soldiers. This led to the longest military event of the Civil War.
The Confederates under General Robert E.Lee, managed to hold off the Northern troops for 9 1/2 months. However, by early April the Confederates could protect Petersburg no longer and evacuated the damaged city. Both armies began their trek toward Appomattox leaving behind 70,000 casualties in what was the longest siege in American warfare. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse would occur one week later. Visitors center/gift shop with exhibits and film presentations. Walking tour around battlefield sites.
A driving tour of the battlefields outlined on the park map includes 13 separate sites with three visitor centers along a 33 mile route. The Eastern Front Visitor Center offers exhibits and audio-visual programs that introduce the story of the siege and its place and impact on the course of the Civil War. At Grant's Headquarters at City Point you will learn about the Union's massive supply base and large field hospital operation. Also explore the story of the Appomattox plantation, the Eppes family and their slaves who were here before the war's arrival. On the western end of the tour route is Five Forks Battlefield where Gen. Sheridan's victory over Gen. Pickett's forces ensured the collapse of Petersburg and Richmond.
Link to map of Petersburg National Battlefield in PDF format.
PARKING: 4 designated accessible parking spaces, located in front of each Visitors Center on either side of ramp. Parking space 8 ft. wide. Accessible aisle 5 ft. wide. Nearby ramps well marked. RV parking.
TYPES OF PATHS TO OR AROUND ATTRACTION: Paved and gravel, rough terrain, horse/foot/bike trails (some). Paths accessible to persons with mobility disabilities. Steep grades may require assistance for persons in wheelchairs. Length of paths 3/4 of a mile.
There is no paved trail leading to General Grant's cabin. Visitors have to travel across a flat grassy area to access the cabin.
The historic trails located in the Eastern Front Unit at tour stops 1, 5 (Fort Stedman), & 8 (Crater) are paved, however, there are areas of these trails where wheelchairs are discouraged. For more information, please contact a Ranger at the Visitor Center or call Petersburg National Battlefield at (804) 732-3531.
ENTRANCE: Located front of the park. 2 entry doors, 35 in. wide, open out with pull (rectangle) handle located 38 in. above floor. Handrails.
Eastern Front Visitor Center: Ramps are available both to the lower level where the public restrooms are located, and to the upper level where both the museum and the auditorium are located.
General Grant's Headquarters Visitor Contact Station: The main entrance on the west wing includes a ramp which also leads to the fully accessible restrooms.
Five Forks Visitor Contact Station: The entire building is universally accessible.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: New restrooms built in 2015 are universally accessible. Unisex and/or companion assisted rest room available at the public rest room.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with hearing disabilities, the 17 minute overview video at the Eastern Front Visitor Center is close captioned.
For guests with visual disabilities, there are hands-on exhibits such as touch exhibits of civil war cannons, and signs printed on a non-glossy surface.
GIFT SHOP: Aisles 40 in. wide. Counters 6 in. high. Aisles clear of temporary displays.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: V, MC, AE and DS accepted in gift shop only. Admission fee. The park has three Visitor Centers; one at the Main Unit (off rte 36), one at City Point-Grant’s HQ (Hopewell, VA), and one at the Five Forks Battlefield in Dinwiddie. Visitor Center hours: 9-5 daily, closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Park Grounds are open from 8 AM til dusk daily.
Home | Regions | Virginia Weather & Maps | Resources | Outdoor Recreation | About Us | Contact Us | Accessibility Links
