Petersburg VA – History and Antiquing
If you’re headed to Richmond or Washington DC for business or pleasure you just might want to spend a day or two in Petersburg, Virginia. Petersburg is a gem of a small town especially if you love Civil War history and antique stores. Petersburg is also the home of the Ft Lee Military base and my reason for wandering this unique town. My son, Mitchell, calls Ft Lee home for a weekend each month as part of his Army Reserves training. For the next year, he’ll be calling Afghanistan home as his unit was called to active duty. I had the privilege to drive with him to Ft Lee and while he was busy with army duties I explored this fascinating town. I intend to go back to see all the things I missed!
Petersburg National Battlefield
The park honors the siege of Petersburg from June 1864 – April 1865. A driving tour of the battlefields includes 13 sites with three visitor centers along a 33-mile route. A full day is suggested to experience the entire battlefield park and if you don’t have that then focus on the Eastern Front. Suggested itineraries for the National Battlefield. If you have children between 5 and 13 consider the Junior Ranger Program with hands-on activities.
The Eastern Front Visitor Center has exhibits and a movie that introduces the story of the siege and its place and impact on the Civil War. At Grant’s Headquarters at City Point, you will learn about the Union’s massive supply base and large field hospital operation. Also explore the story of the Appomattox plantation, the Eppes family and their slaves who were there before the Civil War. On the western end of the tour route is Five Forks Battlefield which led the collapse of Petersburg and Richmond.
Take the driving tour and stop to read the info boards. Be sure to walk the trail that leads to the Crater site where 4 tons of black powder exploded killing 300 Confederate soldiers on the morning of July 30, 1864. The resulting crater is still very visible. It’s less than a mile for the easy walk.
There are approximately 10 miles of nature trails located within the Eastern Front Unit. The trails are suitable for hiking, running, bicycling and some horseback riding.
Blandford Church & Cemetery
The original church was built in 1737 with the north wall and brick cemetery wall a few years later. Blandford Cemetery is one of the oldest in the US with the first burial dating back to 1702. During the Civil War, the church was abandoned but purchased in 1901 by the Ladies Memorial Association of Petersburg and turned into a Civil War memorial. From 1902 to 1912 Louis Comfort Tiffany (Tiffany of New York) and his team designed, created and installed 15 exquisite glass windows depicting Christ’s apostles and honoring the 15 Southern States. The tour of the Church and cemetery with a wonderful narrative is about $4. Well worth the time and the only way you can enter the church.
Downtown Petersburg
After visiting the Blandford Church head to downtown Petersburg. It’s an old town with old buildings, antique shops, museums, and restaurants. It’s quite charming with brick streets, little parks with benches, historical signposts, and ancient trees. Parking is available on the street and in several parking lots near the
Old Towne History District – Antiquing
Along Market and Low Streets you’ll find antique galleries, boutiques, craft shops, restaurants, cafes, and a mix of renovated residences. Olde Town also showcases the Courthouse complex and scores of historic and architecturally significant structures. Antique stores are all over downtown Petersburg. You can walk to at least a dozen antique stores. I wandered in and out of many looking for nothing in particular but found a few rolling pins and a couple of buckets for my front porch. There are some high-end antique stores, too.
English Tea Shop
Roaming through downtown Petersburg I got hungry and considered many of the pub-type restaurants (and there are a lot!) but I was drawn to an English Tea Shop (although I don’t drink tea). I had a delightful time taking in the quaint British atmosphere, dainty decor, and beautiful tea sets. I couldn’t decide what to eat so I ordered the sampler sandwich plate. So glad I did.
Alexander’s Greek/Italian Restaurant
Leaving the tea shop I asked the owner about good places to eat dinner. She immediately suggested Alexander’s which is located right behind the English Tea Shop. Mitchell and I considered going many places for dinner with seafood being at the top of our list but we went to Alexander’s and it was AMAZING! Alexander’s is a family-owned place with tasty recipes and fresh food. They’ve been in business since 1977. Their Greek, Italian, and American cuisine has often been voted the area’s best. Alexander’s is casual, energetic, and affordable, with an atmosphere that is bustling, yet easy-going and comfortable. I LOVE Greek food. Mitchell and I got the sampler appetizer, gyros, and a spaghetti combo plate. Here’s Alexander’s Menu.
Other places to visit
Centre Hill Museum – Robert Bolling, who married the granddaughter of Pocahontas, bout the land in 1706. The Centre Hill Mansion was built in 1839 and was a private residence until 1936 when it became a museum.
The Exchange Building – Constructed in 1841 this building has been a merchants exchange location, police department, Courthouse and became a museum in 1970.
Farmer’s Bank Museum – The Farmer’s Bank of Virginia build this building in 1817 and operated through the Civil War when it became a private residence. Now it’s a museum ran by the Preservation of Virginia Antiques Association. The first floor has been restored with the original safe and vault.
Pamplin Historical Park – Focuses on the Civil War. The main emphasis of the park is on the soldiers themselves as seen at Tudor Hall, the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, and the recreated Military Encampment.
Siege Museum – The civilian life of Petersburg both before, during, and after the Civil War siege is put on display at the Siege Museum.
Historic Battersea – A Revolutionary War home that offers tours and entertainment. Appointments are necessary.
