Confederate living historians fire a cannon

Crater Anniversary Event

Petersburg National Battlefield

  • Jul 26, 2025 at 9:30 AM
  • Free

Petersburg National Battlefield will host living history programs and tours to commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle of the Crater. This 10-hour battle, fought on July 30, 1864, has become one of the most famous events of the siege, yet is often misunderstood. Visitors are welcome to explore the stories of that battle and the soldiers and civilians who experienced it.

 

 

 

Ranger-Led Crater Tours – 9:30 am, 11: 00 am, 1:30 pm, 3 pm


Free shuttles will pick up at the Eastern Front Visitor Center and take
visitors to the Crater battlefield. The tours, including return shuttle, will last
approximately one hour. No ticket required. - First Come - First on Board


Eastern Front Visitor Center Living History Programs


Outside: programs will run 20-25 minutes

  • 10:30 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • 12:00 pm – Infantry Demonstration
  • 2:30 pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 4:00 pm – Infantry Demonstration


Living historians will be available for discussions between programs.

Inside: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Living historians and displays focusing on the civilian experience of the siege.

Programs are weather permitting and schedule is subject to change.

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 37.243868, -77.356917

Schedule

Date:

Jul 26, 2025

Time:

9:30 AM

Duration:

7 hours

Eastern Front Visitor Center: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm - Civilian Experience, Cannon and Artillery Demonstrations Ranger-Led Crater tours 9:30 am, 11:00am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00pm

Contact Information

Eric Schreiner
804-602-7491
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Cultural/Craft Demonstration
  • Hike
  • Living History
  • Talk
Tags: artillery demonstration, battle of the crater, civil war living history, petersburg campaign, petersburg national battlefield, american civil war