Petersburg, Virginia

• What is Pamplin Historical Park?
  • Pamplin Historical Park was created to preserve a tract of land that included several Civil War earthworks that were incredibly well preserved.
• What is the historical significance of the park?
  • The fortifications were constructed by troops led by General Robert E. Lee, and the property is the site where Petersburg was seized by Union troops.
• How large is Pamplin Historical Park?
  • Today, Pamplin Historical Park is a 424-acre campus where visitors can experience a deep dive into Civil War history.
• What can visitors explore at the park?
  • Visitors can feel transported back to the antebellum South by exploring Civil War-era homes, National landmarks, and museums.

6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-861-2408

• What is Blandford Church?
  • Visitors to Petersburg have the pleasure of touring the oldest structure in the city, Blandford Church.
• When was Blandford Church built?
  • The church was built in 1736 and is located on top of Well’s Hill.
• What role did the church play during the Civil War?
  • After being abandoned by the congregation in 1806, the church was used as a telegraph station during the Civil War.
• How was the site restored?
  • The City of Petersburg began restoration in 1880 as a memorial to the 30,000 Confederate soldiers buried in mass graves at Blandford Cemetery.
• What is significant about the stained glass windows?
  • In 1904, new stained glass windows were installed, each funded by different states in the Confederacy.
• How is the church property used today?
  • The church property is used for Civil War reenactments, and a city museum is housed inside the church.

111 Rochelle Lane, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-733-2396

• What is Petersburg National Battlefield Park?
  • Petersburg National Battlefield Park is a historical site managed by the National Park Service, where remnants of the Siege of Petersburg can still be seen today.
• How many visitors does the park receive each year?
  • More than 140,000 visitors come to the park every year.
• How is the park divided?
  • The massive park is divided into four different areas:
  • Eastern Front Visitor’s Center
  • Five Forks Battlefield
  • Poplar Grove National Cemetery
  • City Point Unit
• Are there trails for visitors?
  • Yes, the park features 18 miles of meticulously maintained trails for horses and hikers.
• Does the park host special events?
  • Yes, many special events are hosted in the park throughout the year.
• Is there a driving tour available?
  • Visitors can follow a driving tour that spans 33 miles and includes 13 different historic sites.

Petersburg National Battlefield Parka, 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, VA, 23803, Phone: 804-732-3531 ext, 200

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

• What is the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier?
  • The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is a 25,000-square-foot museum featuring interpretive exhibits detailing the history of Petersburg and the Civil War.
• Where is the museum located?
  • The museum is found in Pamplin Park and is considered one of the finest Civil War museums in the United States.
• What are the main exhibits at the museum?
  • There are four main exhibits:
  • The Remembrance Wall
  • Duty Called Me Here
  • The Civil War Store
  • The Pamplin Board Room
• Are the exhibits interactive?
  • Yes, the exhibits are interactive and provide a detailed look into what it was like to be a Civil War soldier.
• What historical perspectives does the museum offer?
  • The exhibits explore the life of the Pamplin father and son (whom the park is named for) and offer opportunities for descendants of Civil War soldiers to honor their ancestors.

6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-861-2408

• What is Centre Hill Mansion?
  • Centre Hill Mansion was built around 1820 by Robert Bolling IV and was considered the most stately house in Petersburg at the time.
• Who was Robert Bolling IV?
  • Bolling was a captain of a militia unit during the Revolutionary War and grew wealthy through his tobacco farm operations.
• How has the mansion changed over time?
  • The mansion was passed down to Bolling’s son, who renovated it in a Greek Revival style. In 1901, the home underwent significant restoration after being purchased by a Petersburg lawyer.
• Which U.S. presidents have visited the mansion?
  • Three U.S. presidents have visited the home.
• What happened to the mansion in 1972?
  • The mansion was deeded to the city of Petersburg in 1972.
• Was the mansion used for film production?
  • Yes, the mansion was a filming location for a Steven Spielberg film in 2011.
• Are guided tours available?
  • Yes, guided tours are offered every half hour during their weekend hours.

1 Centre Hill Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-733-2396

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

• What is the significance of the Farmers Bank?
  • The Farmers Bank was the first bank in Virginia to have statewide connections in 1811.
• How did the bank contribute to U.S. history?
  • In 1812, the bank loaned money to the United States government to help finance the war with England.
• How many versions of the bank have existed?
  • The current location is the third iteration of the bank and the oldest still standing.
• What happened to the first two locations?
  • The first location is unknown, and the second was destroyed in a city-wide fire in 1815.
• What is unique about the current bank building?
  • The Federal-Style bank is three stories, with the kitchen alone being two stories and rebuilt in the 1980s using the foundation from the original building.
• Can visitors tour the bank?
  • Yes, the Historic Farmers Bank has been open for tours since the 1970s.

19 Bollingbrook Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-722-0198

• What is Poplar Grove National Cemetery?
  • Poplar Grove National Cemetery was established in 1866 by Colonel James Moore as a burial site for Union soldiers.
• What was the land used for before it became a cemetery?
  • The tract of land was once a campground for engineers who constructed a Gothic-style church called Poplar Grove during the Civil War.
• How many soldiers are buried at the cemetery?
  • Approximately 5,000 Union soldiers were buried at the cemetery after their bodies were recovered from battlefield graves.
• Who manages Poplar Grove National Cemetery?
  • The cemetery is managed by the National Park Service.
• Is the cemetery open to visitors?
  • Yes, the cemetery is open daily to visitors.
• Are new burials still taking place?
  • No, no more burials take place at Poplar Grove National Cemetery.

1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-732-3531

• What is the Exchange Building?
  • The Exchange Building is a historic building in Petersburg that was constructed in 1841 as a market hall.
• What architectural style is the building?
  • The building is designed in the Greek-Revival style and is one of the least altered 19th-century structures in Virginia.
• Has the building received any historic recognition?
  • Yes, in 1971, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
• What are some notable architectural features?
  • The two-story hall features a Doric order portico and a large circular domed room in the center.
• What was the building originally used for?
  • The Exchange Building once held grand public auctions as part of its role as a market hall.
• What is the building used for today?
  • The building is now home to the Siege Museum, which educates visitors about the Siege of Petersburg.

15-19 West Bank Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-835-9630

• What is Lee’s Retreat?
  • Lee’s Retreat is one of Virginia’s Civil War Trails that guides visitors through more than 70 Civil War sites in Southern Virginia.
• How many sites are included on the Lee’s Retreat trail?
  • The trail includes 26 sites between Petersburg and Appomattox.
• What are some notable sites along the trail?
  • Notable stops include:
  • Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
  • Pamplin Historical Park, where The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is located
• Is the trail guided or self-guided?
  • This is a self-guided trail using a map to navigate through the sites.
• Are there interactive exhibits along the trail?
  • Yes, nearly all stops include interactive or interpretive exhibits that highlight the history of the Civil War and the war strategy of Commander Robert E. Lee.

• What is the White Oak Road Battlefield?
  • White Oak Road Battlefield is a Civil War battlefield site also known as The Battle of Hatcher’s Run and several other names.
• When did the battle take place?
  • The battle occurred in 1865.
• How was the battlefield preserved?
  • The Civil War Trust acquired 903 acres of the site in 1989 to be preserved.
• Is there a walking trail at the site?
  • Yes, a walking trail guides visitors on a path of less than 1 mile around the remnants of the Confederate earthworks still on site.
• Are there any original battlefield features still intact?
  • Yes, visitors can see two gun emplacements that have remained in pristine condition.

1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-732-3531