Reconstruction in Petersburg, Virginia

Reconstruction in Petersburg was a time of great social, political, and economic upheaval. Its legacy takes a unique spot in the broader Reconstruction narrative. Petersburg had a high African American population, many of whom were free even before the Civil War. These factors produced a revolution in African American life in Petersburg during Reconstruction. Reconstruction would have long-lasting effects on the city and its residents.

Aftermath of the Siege & Military Occupation

Reconstruction in Petersburg began as soon as the city surrendered on April 3, 1865. The new U.S. Army garrison had to mediate a food shortage and unemployment crisis. It was particularly harsh among the recently freed formerly enslaved people. Relief programs sprung up around the city as the city sought to rebuild after the grueling 9.5-month siege. Military occupation ended on January 31, 1870, shortly after Virginia was readmitted to the United States.

Freedmen’s Bureau

The Freedmen’s Bureau was a federal government program to assist newly freed African Americans in the former states of the Confederacy. The Bureau was very active in Petersburg due to its high population of African Americans. The Bureau distributed aid, set up schools, helped formerly enslaved get jobs, and worked to legalize marriages. They served an instrumental role in assisting formerly enslaved to get their feet off the ground in early Reconstruction. In 1872, the federal government cut funding for the Freedmen’s Bureau, and the Bureau ceased to exist.

African Americans in Reconstruction Era Petersburg

There were two distinct groups of African Americans in Petersburg. There were those who were free before the war and those who were freed during or after the war. Those who were free before the war, often were of higher economic and social standing. This "upper class" of African Americans flourished during Reconstruction. They set up businesses, acquired property, and entered politics. The economic hardship of Reconstruction era Petersburg greatly affected the formerly enslaved. Despite this, they persevered and established a new life for themselves. They established communities, founded churches, worked jobs, voted, attended school, and more. Others served in key positions in city government or the Virginia General Assembly. The formerly enslaved of Petersburg left a lasting impact and legacy on the city and its history. During Reconstruction, many African Americans served in the Petersburg city government and represented Petersburg in the state legislature.

Seated second from the left in the front row is William W. Evans, a delegate from Petersburg, VA.

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Politics in Reconstruction Petersburg

In Reconstruction-era Petersburg there were two political factions: the “Conservatives” and the Radical Republicans. The former enslavers, businessmen, and ex-Confederates dominated the Conservative faction. Their main efforts were opposing racial equality and resisting the Radical Republicans as much as possible. The Radical Republicans formed in Petersburg in 1867 and took power in the city in 1868. They promoted a platform of social equality, internal improvements, and improved relief for the poor. The Radical Republicans alliance included African Americans, white immigrants from the North, and some local support. They also sought support from the poor white working-class population of Petersburg.

From 1865 to 1867, the Conservatives controlled Petersburg, but this would soon end. In 1868, the Radical Republicans secured a majority of City Council seats and the mayorship. In their time in office, many new policies were implemented. They integrated the police force, protected African Americans' civil and political rights, and elected them to the city council. They established a public education system to offer an education to African American and poor White children. They also increased funding for relief programs for the poor. Some of these policies garnered significant support from local poor white working-class groups.

Radical Republicans would win multiple citywide elections, remaining in power until 1874. In 1874, the “Conservatives” took control of Petersburg and the Radicals never regained power.

Economics in Reconstruction Petersburg

Before the Civil War, Petersburg was (by Southern standards) a large, prosperous, and modern city. Petersburg was a production and trade center of tobacco, cotton, flour, and iron. It was a transportation hub with many railroads, major roads, and canals that connected the city in all directions. Petersburg’s economy suffered during the war. Shipping was hampered due to the Federal Navy’s blockade. Due to the 9.5-month siege, many factories closed, railroads around the city were damaged, city infrastructure broke down, and Federal siege artillery took its toll. The city was extensively damaged and in a mountain of debt. Economic recovery was slow due to this and the surrounding countryside being in ruin. One industry that rapidly recovered was railroads. Former Confederate General (and Petersburg native) William Mahone consolidated the east-west rail lines around Petersburg in 1870. A major source of wealth, the agriculture of Southern Virginia did not recover well from damage incurred during the war. During Reconstruction, Petersburg was in poor economic shape but did slowly recover as time passed. Despite this, it never reclaimed the prestige or economic prowess it held before the war.

William Mahone, a Petersburg native and former Confederate General. After the war, Mahone returned to his railroad business in Petersburg and then entered politics. Mahone courted support from many Black voters in Petersburg which helped him become a U.S. Senator in 1881.

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