News Release

History Comes to Life at Five Forks

NPS

News Release Date: August 15, 2023

Contact: Eric Schreiner, 804-732-3531, ext. 201

PETERSBURG, VA – Petersburg National Battlefield will host living historians at Five Forks Battlefield on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Learn about the events leading up to and on April 1,1865, with living historians from the 6th Wisconsin on the battlefield. Formal programs begin at 8 am and last all day. 

Begin your day at the Five Forks Contact Station. Living Historians and Park Staff will be available for discussions between programs. Please see the below list of events:

8:00 am Observe the School of the Soldier and Company Drill 

9:00 am – Caravan to White Oak Road Battlefield and discuss March 31,1865.

11:00 am – Rounder (Civil War Baseball) at Five Forks Contact Station

12:00 (noon) to 1:30 PM Rifle and Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Five Forks Contact Station

1:30 pm Tours through the Camp of 6th Wisconsin

2:00 PM Start of Five Forks Battlefield Tour. March along with the Living Historians or meet them along the driving tour route. Ensure everyone has a full canteen of water and dress for the weather. The hike is moderately strenuous and around 5 miles along the park's multi-use trails. 
Approximate times to meet the living historians for the talks during the march:

• 2:40 pm – The Angle – Tour Stop 2
• 3:20 pm – Crawford's Sweep – Tour Stop 5
• 4:00 pm – Five Forks – Tour Stop 3
• 5:00 pm– Western Trailhead Parking Lot

If you go

Start at the Petersburg National Battlefield's Five Forks Contact Station, 9840 Courthouse Road, Dinwiddie, VA. Please bring water, snacks, sun protection, and wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather. Restrooms will be open at the Contact Station. For more information about the event, contact the Manager of Interpretation at [phone] ext. 201 or by email at [e-mail]. To learn more about Petersburg National Battlefield, follow the park on social media, @PetersburgNPS, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/pete.