VIRGINIA: Battlefield Offers Civil War Experience

PETERSBURG, Va. — The 1st South Carolina Infantry and the 3rd U.S. Infantry will be drilling, presenting firing demonstrations, and presenting programs on Civil War soldier life in battle and beyond on Saturday, August 12, and Sunday, August 13, at the Petersburg National Battlefield’s Eastern Front Visitor Center.

On Saturday and Sunday at the Petersburg Battlefield's Eastern Front Visitor Center, the 1st South Carolina Infantry and 3rd US Infantry will be drilling. presenting firing demonstrations and presenting programs.

On Saturday and Sunday at the Petersburg Battlefield’s Eastern Front Visitor Center, the 1st South Carolina Infantry and 3rd US Infantry will be drilling. presenting firing demonstrations and presenting programs.

Civilian re-enactors will talk about the home front and the role of sutlers in the war. These events will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

On Sunday, August 13, Coopers Artillery Battery will demonstrate the firing of a reproduction 12 pounder Napoleon cannon. The demonstrations from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Eastern Front Visitor Center as well.

The Eastern Front Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield is located at 5001 Siege Road in Petersburg and is the location where Union troops made their first major attacks on the City of Petersburg in mid-June, 1864.

Today, visitors can learn more about the history of the site by touring the museum, viewing the 18 minute video, or travelling the Unit’s four mile, 8 stop tour road. There are also ten miles of nature trails suitable for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

Petersburg National Battlefield was created in order to commemorate the campaign and siege and defense of Petersburg in 1864 and 1865. The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the historical, cultural, and natural resources within the park in a manner that will provide interpretation, education, and enjoyment for the visitors.

Park Visitor Centers, located in Petersburg, Hopewell, and Dinwiddie County are each open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance to the park is free.

–progress-index.com

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