Battle of The Crater (Stop 8)

Historic, black and white drawing from a sketch, on the U.S. Assault at the crater.

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Bicycle - Rack, Cellular Signal, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

After the initial attacks on Petersburg by Federal Forces ended on June 18, the U.S. 9th Corps picket line fell only four hundred feet from the main Confederate line. The Federals decided to construct and explode a mine underneath Elliot's Salient to surprise and overwhelm the Confederates and seize the heights above Petersburg, thereby shortening the siege. The follow-up attack by the 9th Corps failed miserably, and the Confederates were able to hold Petersburg.