Learn About the Park

An American City Under Siege

 

Ruins of the Taylor House dependency. The Taylor House is thought to have been destroyed during the opening attacks on Petersburg in mid-June, 1864.

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Remember your visit or prepare for a future visit to Petersburg National Battlefield by exploring our eParks Bookstore where you can find gifts, books and other commemorative items.

Life in the Trenches

292 days living in trenches made life miserable for the thousands of soldiers involved in the siege. Disease, loneliness, dispair, and horror were just some of the words used to describe the soldiers' experience at Petersburg. Discover more by visiting our History and Culture pages .

Caring for the Natural Landscape

The Battlefield's creeks and forest provide a habitat for a variety of species such as deer, wild turkey, eagles, and the occasional bear. Many of the plant and animal species were depended on by soldiers for food and medicinal purposes. Learn more about the natural side of your park in our Nature section.