Tale of Two Cities: Richmond to Petersburg

Address

6125 Boyton Plank Road
Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone

804-861-2408
City

Petersburg

Locality

Dinwiddie
Social

The cities of Richmond and Petersburg are vibrant communities which have a significant Civil War past which offers visitors the experience of walking in the footsteps of generals and presidents. The cities provide numerous opportunities for single day and multi-day experiences. Here are a few must-see attractions:

First stop: Historic Tredegar Iron Works opened in 1837 and stood as Richmond's foremost business concern for more than a century. Learn about the facility manufacturing a diverse array of products, including locomotives, equipment for sugar mills, and Tredegar produced more than 1,000 cannons for the Confederacy during the Civil War. The museum tells the story of the Civil War from Union, Confederate, and African American perspectives.

Next stop: The American Civil War Museum. Learn about Richmond during the Confederate years and see the White House of the Confederacy and one of the world’s largest Civil War artifact collections in the museum. The White House was built in 1818 and home to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, and served as the political and social epicenter of wartime Richmond. The White House currently holds a large number of furnishings and artifacts that were in the house with the Davis family.

Insiders Tip: Save by purchasing an Experience Package to include both Tredegar and the ACW.

Lunch options include numerous dining establishments in downtown Richmond or Old Towne Petersburg.

Insiders Tip: Visit www.virginia.org/directory/dining/ for Richmond and Petersburg restaurant selections.

Next stop: Pamplin Historical Park. The park tells the story of the common soldier, civilian and enslaved people at this National Landmark 424-acre campus which features four historic homes, The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, 5 miles of trails and the Breakthrough Battlefield. Interpreters bring history to life while interactive exhibits and special electronic devices allow visitors to experience an audio/visual tour at over eighty stops within the museum and in the park.

Final stop: Petersburg National Battlefield. Explore this over 2,700-acre park and visitor center where General Ulysses S. Grant decided to attack the South’s last remaining major supply source, Petersburg in a 292-day siege. The Battle of the Crater is a must-see feature here with several stories relating to African-Americans.