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Petersburg National BattlefieldIllustration of Union soldiers advancing on Ft. Stedman
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Petersburg National Battlefield
Artillery
 

Artillery played a significant role in the Civil War, and particulary the trench warfare seen at Petersburg. Artillery would often be used as an auxiliary arm for the infantry soldiers involved in battle. Most of the fighting of the artillery crews would take place behind earthen walls during the siege of Petersburg. If you were a member of an artillery crew, what would your life have been like? What did you do in battle? Where did you live? Soldiers tell you in their own words.

Equipment Experience Camp Life
Former Slaves at City Point, Virginia  

Did You Know?
Slaves who entered Union lines and came to City Point, Virginia (present day Hopewell) during the Siege of Petersburg, were typically employed unloading ships and working in the hospitals. (Petersburg National Battlefield)

Last Updated: September 27, 2007 at 11:36 EST