Petersburg National Battlefield, National battlefield in Petersburg, Virginia, United States.
Petersburg National Battlefield spans four jurisdictions in Virginia and preserves sites of military engagements during the siege. The grounds include trenches, earthworks, and various combat positions spread across a large area.
The area was the site of a siege from 1864 to 1865 between Union troops under General Grant and Confederate forces under General Lee. This extended confrontation ultimately led to the end of the war in this region.
The site honors soldiers from both sides who fought during the long siege. Visitors can see trenches and fortifications at different spots across the battlefield that show how the fighting took place.
The site is best explored by driving to various combat positions or walking designated trails. The park's website offers information about visitor centers and routes suited to different interests and fitness levels.
One of the most striking features is the Crater site, where Union troops detonated explosives beneath enemy lines and created a depression still visible today. This spot shows one of the siege's most unusual combat tactics.
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