African American Heritage Trails - Virginia Is For Lovers

Address

6125 Boydton Plank Road
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone

804-861-2408 (8048612408)
City

Petersburg

Locality

Petersburg City
Social

2 days ; 1 night

From Petersburg to Richmond, there are many historic sites interpreting the lives, struggles, and achievements of American Americans in Virginia.

Day 1:

Experience the lives of the common soldier, civilian and enslaved people at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. This National Landmark 424-acre campus features four historic homes, The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, 5 miles of trails and the Breakthrough Battlefield. Pamplin Historical Park’s “Field Quarter” provides a frank look at the lives of African Americans on Southern farms. One of the structures contains an exhibit called “Slavery in America” and features a powerful film probing various perspectives on the South’s “peculiar institution” before the war.

Insiders Tip: All of the dining options in Petersburg can be found here: https://www.virginia.org/directory/dining/?city=petersburg

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 Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. It was here at Petersburg National Battlefield that 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.

Day 2:

Visitors can view the annual reenactment at Fort Pocahontas at Wilson’s Warf where the USCT’s led a victory against Confederate forces. The walking tour of the fort includes the earthen bastions, breastworks and gun ramps and the Binford House. Tours are available by appointment only.

Head over to Richmond and take a walk in the footsteps of the enslaved on the Richmond Slave Trail. It begins at Manchester Docks, a major port in the massive downriver Slave Trade from 1830 to 1860, and then follows a route through the slave markets of Richmond.

Insiders Tip: All of the dining options in Richmond can be found here: https://www.virginia.org/directory/dining/?city=richmond

Visit the Maggie L Walker National Historic Site in Richmond. Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era African Americans and women. Today, the Maggie L Walker National Historic Site and home is preserved as a tribute to her enduring legacy of vision, courage, and determination.

Celebrate the many facets of Black history at The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. They provide a statewide resource on the many facets of Black history through exhibitions, discussions, and accomplishments.