The history of Petersburg is about as long as the history of the United States. Settled by English colonialists in the 17th century, the land was patented in 1635, and Fort Henry was established by 1646. Petersburg was involved in key battles during the Revolutionary War and Civil War. The city’s historic black churches were also instrumental in the civil rights movement. Petersburg continues to grow and evolve with a thriving downtown area with a local restaurant, galleries, coffee shops, bars, and museums.
1. Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg, Virginia
Pamplin Historical Park was created to preserve a tract of land that included several Civil War earthworks that were incredibly well preserved. The fortifications were constructed by the troops led by General Robert E. Lee, and the property is the site of where Petersburg was seized by the Union troops. Today, Pamplin Historical Park is a 424-acre campus where visitors can feel transported back to the antebellum south by exploring Civil War era homes and National landmarks and museums. Browse our Romantic Weekend Getaways in Virginia guide for more ideas.
6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-861-2408
2. Blandford Church and Cemetery, Petersburg, VA
Visitors to Petersburg have the pleasure of being able to tour the oldest structure in the city, Blandford Church. Resting on top of Well’s Hill, the church was built in 1736 and served as a telegraph station during the Civil War after it was abandoned by the congregation in 1806. The City of Petersburg began restoration on the site in 1880 as a memorial to the 30,000 Confederate soldiers who were buried in mass graves at the Blandford Cemetery. In 1904, new stained glass windows were installed. The windows were each funded by different states in the Confederacy. 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
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3. Petersburg National Battlefield Park, Petersburg, Virginia
More than 140,000 visitors come to Petersburg National Battle Field Park every year. The National Park Service manages the park which is a historical site where remnants of the Siege of Petersburg can still be seen today. The massive park is divided up into four different areas—Eastern Front Visitor’s Center, Five Forks Battlefield, Poplar Grove National Cemetery, and City Point Unit. There are 18 miles of meticulously maintained trails for horses and hikers as well as many special events that are hosted in the park throughout the year. Visitors can also follow a driving tour that will span 33 miles and 13 different historic sites.
5001 Siege Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-732-3531 ext, 200
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4. National Museum of the Civil War, Petersburg, Virginia
The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is 25,000 square feet and features interpretive exhibits detailing the history of Petersburg and the Civil War. The museum is found in Pamplin Park and considered one of the finest Civil War Museums in the United States. There are four main exhibits, The Remembrance Wall, Duty Called Me Here, The Civil War Store, and The Pamplin Board Room. These exhibits are interactive and detail what it was like to be a Civil War soldier, the life of the Pamplin father and son whom the park is named for, and opportunities for descendants of Civil War soldiers to honor their ancestors.
6125 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-861-2408, (website link)
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5. Centre Hill Mansion, Petersburg, Virginia
Centre Hill Mansion was built around 1820 by Robert Bolling IV and was considered the most stately house in Petersburg at the time. Bolling was captain of a militia unit during the Revolutionary War and grew wealthy through his tobacco farm operations. The mansion was passed down to Bolling’s son who renovated the mansion to a Greek Revival style, and in 1901 the home underwent significant restoration after being purchased by a Petersburg lawyer. Three U.S. presidents have visited the home which was deeded to the city of Petersburg in 1972 and was the location of filming for a Steven Spielberg film in 2011. Guided tours are offered every half hour during their weekend hours.
1 Centre Hill Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-733-2396
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6. Historic Farmers Bank, Petersburg, VA
The Farmers Bank was the first bank in Virginia to have statewide connections in 1811. The next year, the bank loaned money to the United States government to help finance the war with England. The current location is the third iteration of the bank and the oldest still standing. The first location is unknown and the second burned down in a city-wide fire in 1815. 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. The bank has been open for tours since the 1970s.
19 Bollingbrook Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-722-0198
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7. Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia
Colonel James Moore established Poplar Grove National Cemetery in 1866 when chose this tract of land which had once been the campground for engineers who constructed a gothic style church called Poplar Grove during the Civil War. 5,000 Union soldiers were buried in the cemetery after their bodies were recovered from their battlefield graves. The National Park Service manages the cemetery, and the cemetery is open daily to visitors although no more burials take place.
1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-732-3531
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8. The Exchange Building, Petersburg, Virginia
The Exchange is a historic building in Petersburg that was constructed in 1841 to be used as a market hall. The Greek-Revival style hall is one of the least altered structures from the 19th century in the state of Virginia and in 1971 was named a National Historic Landmark. The two-story hall features a Doric order Portico, a large circular domed room in the center, and once held grand public auctions. The building is now home to the Siege Museum which educates visitors on the Siege of Petersburg.
15-19 West Bank Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-835-9630
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9. Lee’s Retreat, Petersburg, VA
Lee’s Retreat is one of Virginia Civil War Trails that guides visitors through more than 70 Civil War sites in Southern Virginia. Lee’s Retreat trail includes 26 of these sites between Petersburg and Appomattox including Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park, Pamplin Historical Park where The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is located. This interactive trail is self-guided using a map with nearly all stops, including interactive or interpretive exhibits that highlight the history of the Civil War and the war strategy of Commander Robert E. Lee.
Phone: 1-888-Civilwar
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10. White Oak Road Battlefield, Petersburg, Virginia
The White Oak Road Battlefield is a Civil War battlefield site also known as The Battle of Hatcher’s Run and several other names which occurred in 1865. The Civil War Trust acquired 903 acres of the site to be preserved in 1989 and a walking trail guides visitors less than 1 mile around the remnants of the Confederate earthworks still on site and two gun emplacements that have remained in pristine condition.
1539 Hickory Hill Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-732-3531, (website link)
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11. Brickhouse Run Restaurant, Petersburg, Virginia
The Brickhouse Run is modeled after the British Public House tradition and features two rooms which make up The Public Bar, and The Dining Room also called The Lounge Bar. The restaurant has no televisions and instead relies on good company, pleasant conversation, and excellent food and drink options. The buildings were Brickhouse Run is located were built in 1816 and evidence of the original construction is said to be visible in a wall at the restaurant. The space was empty from 1924-2000, but was opened as a Public Bar in 2000 and had been thriving since.
407-409 Cockade Alley, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-862-1815
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12. Croaker’s Spot, Petersburg, Virginia
Traditional, Southern soul food comprises the signature menu at Croaker’s Spot. The spot began as a late-night bar for the jazz artists and musicians during the Harlem Renaissance. Mr. Croaker, a famous jazz artist and his friends were frequent visitors to the Spot, and soon the hangout joint became a restaurant offering late night food in Harlem. Patrons of Croaker’s will enjoy live music seasonally and the paintings of S. Ross Browne. The restaurant also offers catering.
9 E Old St, Petersburg, VA 23803, Phone: 804-957-5635
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13. Things to Do in Petersburg, Virginia: Wabi Sabi
Wabi Sabi is a unique sushi bar owned by DJ Payne which has helped to revitalize downtown Petersburg. DJ Payne purchased the failing sushi bar in 2007 and renovated the restaurant for over nine years. The space now includes a Main Dining Room where reservations are needed to guarantee dining availability. The Martini Bar employs expert bartenders who can make just about any alcoholic beverage you can imagine. The basement level of Wabi Sabi is The Tavern, which is a lively bar. Wabi Sabi still has an impressive sushi bar but also serves burgers and sandwiches, and seafood dishes.
29 Bollingbrook Street, Petersburg, Virginia, 23803, Phone: 804-862-1365
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14. Traditionz Wings and Grill, Petersburg, VA
Traditionz had a humble beginning when it opened inside an 800 square foot building located in a parking lot in 2010. The wing and fish spot specialized in homemade wing sauces and a bigger space was soon needed. Traditionz is now located in the South Crater Square Shopping Center, and the 3,000 square foot restaurant serves their famous wings and other traditional southern cuisine. Live music, karaoke, dancing, and poetry slams are some of the favorite events that happen at Traditionz.
3330-5 S Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia, 23805, Phone: 804-863-1911
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15. Trapezium Brewing
Located in Old Towne Petersburg, the Trapezium Brewing Company invites visitors to come and try some of the artisan beers produced on-site in their brew house. The tap room offers indoor and outdoor seating where you can explore their range of year-round and seasonal brews. Their beer menu includes the following flagship brews: Houseboat Blonde Ale, Lucky 47 White Ale, Lucky 25 American Brown and Lucky 46 New England IPA. With so many lucky signature brews to their name, you can rely on their other seasonal beers to be equally exceptional. You can accompany your tasting with some delicious appetizers, pizza and dessert.
423 3rd Street, Petersburg, VA 23803, 804 477 8703
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16. Escape Old Towne - Escape Rooms
Bringing the Escape Room craze to the heart of Petersburg, Escape Old Towne has a great escape room experience in store for you. There are 4 exciting themed rooms to choose from including the Mad Tea Party which is the easiest and therefore the best choice for first time players. Each of the rooms has a 60 minute escape time so you and your team will need to work together and think outside of the box if you are to make your escape in time. If you think you have what it takes you can book the trickiest room of all, the 80’s Prom Room which has a 9/10 difficulty level.
104 N. Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA 23803, 804 203 5434
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The top attractions to visit in Petersburg, Virginia near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg, Virginia
- 2. Blandford Church and Cemetery, Petersburg, VA
- 3. Petersburg National Battlefield Park, Petersburg, Virginia
- 4. National Museum of the Civil War, Petersburg, Virginia
- 5. Centre Hill Mansion, Petersburg, Virginia
- 6. Historic Farmers Bank, Petersburg, VA
- 7. Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia
- 8. The Exchange Building, Petersburg, Virginia
- 9. Lee’s Retreat, Petersburg, VA
- 10. White Oak Road Battlefield, Petersburg, Virginia
- 11. Brickhouse Run Restaurant, Petersburg, Virginia
- 12. Croaker’s Spot, Petersburg, Virginia
- 13. Things to Do in Petersburg, Virginia: Wabi Sabi
- 14. Traditionz Wings and Grill, Petersburg, VA
- 15. Trapezium Brewing
- 16. Escape Old Towne - Escape Rooms
