Petersburg, Historic Civil War battlefield site in Petersburg, United States.
Description
Petersburg is an independent city on the Appomattox River in the state of Virginia, located about 23 miles (37 km) south of Richmond. The city spreads over several hills, with the downtown area near the river and residential neighborhoods extending toward higher ground.
History
The settlement began in the 1730s as a trading post along the river and received its town charter in 1748. Between 1864 and 1865, one of the longest sieges of the American Civil War took place here, eventually leading to the Confederate retreat.
Culture
The name comes from Peter Jones, an early landowner along the Appomattox River whose property became a settlement around 1733. Visitors can walk the streets of the old downtown and see how many homes and commercial buildings are made of brick, showing the craft traditions of two centuries.
Practical
The city is accessible from several interstate highways that run north and south, with the downtown area reachable in a few minutes from the junction. Visitors find free parking along many streets in the historic district, from where they can continue on foot.
Did you know?
Pocahontas Island, a small river island within the city limits, was among the first free Black communities in the Southern United States and remains a residential area today. Many of the wooden houses date back to the 19th century and stand right on the water.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Virginia).
Blandford Cemetery
2.3 km
Pocahontas Island, Virginia
2.9 km
First Baptist Church
1.2 km
Blandford Church
2.3 km
Kenner Army Health Clinic
5.5 km
Ellerslie
2.8 km
Army Quartermaster Museum
5.8 km
Centre Hill Museum
2 km
Gillfield Baptist Church
1.3 km
United States Army Women's Museum
5.9 km
City Market
2.3 km
Petersburg Old Town Historic District
2.2 km
Battersea
2.9 km
Violet Bank Museum
3.2 kmMartin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge
2.6 km
Azurest South
3.4 km
Thomas Wallace House
1.3 km
Farmers' Bank
2.2 km
Exchange Building
2.1 km
Commerce Street Industrial Historic District
2.3 km
Strawberry Hill
1.9 km
Folly Castle Historic District
1.8 km
Appomattox Iron Works
2.3 km
Poplar Lawn Historic District
1.1 km
People's Memorial Cemetery
1.7 km
Petersburg Courthouse
2 km
Mayfield Cottage
4.2 km
South Market Street Historic District
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes