Pamplin Historical Park preserves one of the Civil War's most important and decisive battlefields. On April 2, 1865, Union forces commanded by Ulysses S. Grant attacked a portion of Robert E. Lee's army southwest of Petersburg. More than 14,000 Northern troops swarmed ahead in a pre-dawn attack, larger than "Pickett's Charge" at Gettysburg, and shattered Lee's line beyond repair.
Known to history as "The Breakthrough," this engagement forced General Lee to advise the Confederate government in Richmond to evacuate the capital and ended the Petersburg Campaign, a military stalemate that had lasted more than nine months. Exactly one week after the Breakthrough battle, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House.
Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier provides a full day of exploring and learning about the Civil War and life in the antebellum South. The Park includes four museums, four historic buildings, and self-guided tours of the Breakthrough Battlefield and Tudor Hall Plantation. Most visitors discover that they need four or more hours to truly experience everything the Park has to offer. A minimum of two hours is recommended.
Sample visiting times at main venues:
The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier: 45 minutes
Tudor Hall Plantation and the Field Quarter: 45 minutes
Military Encampment and Fortifications Exhibit: 30 minutes
Battlefield Center: 30 minutes
Banks House: 30 minutes
The Breakthrough Trail and Headwaters Trail offer a combined three miles of interpreted walks. Visitors can select from a variety of hikes ranging from fifteen-minute strolls to a walk of two hours. A free audio guide allows visitors to customize their own tours of Tudor Hall Plantation and the Breakthrough Battlefield. You may also download an mp3 audio tour and a map of the Breakthrough Battlefield. Running and biking are not permitted.
Wheelchairs and motorized scooters may be available for those needing assistance with mobility. Wheelchairs may be borrowed free of charge and used both indoors and outdoors but are not suitable for battlefield trails. Scooters have a weight limit of 375 lbs., and are for outdoor use only. The cost of renting a scooter for the day is $7. Please check for availability upon admission (scooters may be reserved for up to 30 days ahead of your planned visit). Service animals are welcome.
After a day at the park, enjoy dinner at one of Dinwiddie's local restaurants including; Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant, Brother's Pizza, or Joe's Steak and Seafood located just a mile from Pamplin Historical Park. These establishments are locally owned and offer great food and top-flight customer service.
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Last Updated: 11/25/2019
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6125 Boydton Plank Road
Petersburg, VA 238030.4 MI
