Petersburg
The Cockade City
General Information
Other Name: -, District: Virginia, State: South, United States of America
Area: 23.2 sq mi
Languages Spoken: English
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: - to - and -
International Access: -Description
Petersburg is an independent city in Virginia, United States located on the Appomattox River.Petersburg has a long history as an industrial center for Virginia.Location
just 23 miles south of Virginia''s state capital, Richmond.Climate
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The lives of 30,000 Confederate soldiers were lost during the Siege of Petersburg , one of the most devastating events of the Civil War. Blandford Church, built in 1735, now honors their memory. Here, at their graves, the first Memorial Day was observed in 1866. Fifteen Tiffany stained-glass windows, designed in their honor, adorn the building. Donated by southern states after the war, this is one of only seven complete sets of Tiffany windows in existence.
One of the oldest bank buildings in the United States, this historic bank contains accommodations on the upper floors for the bank cashier, as well as the bank''s slaves, and visitors can also see the heavy safe that was once kept in the cashier''s office.
This driving tour follows General Robert E. Lee''s route from Petersburg to Appomattox. With stops, allow two hours for the tour, then extra time to explore the sites at Appomattox Court House . Begin with the site of Lee''s withdrawal from the Richmond-Petersburg Front and end at the scene of surrender at Appomattox. Maps and information can be obtained at the Petersburg Visitors Center.
The Petersburg National Battlefield has three Visitors Center located at Dinwiddie, Hopewell and Prince George Counties. Each one provides an excellent insight as to the key battle of the US Civil War. The centers are located on a 33 mile driving tour of the battlefield. The park recommends a full day be spent exploring the history of the battlefield.
Journey back into the 19th Century at Pamplin Historical Park and The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Virginia Historic Landmark, Pamplin Historical Park is recognized as one of America''s premier historical attractions and as the most innovative Civil War history park in the country.
Housed in a historic circa 1858 building, this 54,000 square foot art center features 70 artists'' studios, a large gallery for a monthly juried All-Media Show, and the Mezzanine Gallery where they host six Single-Artist shows a month.
Housed in an 1839 building that was once used as a commodities market, this museum depicts the lives of the people of Petersburg before, during, and immediately after the Civil War.
Fans of unusual architecture should be sure to visit the Trapezium House located in Petersburg. This strangely shaped house was built by an equally strange man, Charles O''Hara. Historical accounts say that Mr. O''Hara counted a pet monkey, parrot, and a white rat as his best friends. The house is unique in the fact that it has no right angles. Everything is on an angle in this house, which most visitors will find somewhat unsettling.