Place

Tunnel Entrance (Stop 8)

A rectangular doorway into a hillside, surrounded by white cement
As miners, you are only going to dig as much as you need to. No need for a big door or walkway.

Quick Facts

Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Scenic View/Photo Spot

General Grant began to prepare for siege warfare by late June. General Ambrose Burnside proposed a plan to blow up Elliot's Salient on the Confederate line. The 48th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry had brought this idea to Burnside. With the two sides only 400 feet apart, these troops planned to dig under the salient, blow it up, and exploit the resulting gap in the Confederate line. Burnside received approval, and the Pennsylvania soldiers completed the over 500 foot-long tunnel, packed with 8,000 pounds of powder, within a month.

Petersburg National Battlefield

Last updated: November 20, 2021