A sepia toned image from 1862/3 of Black men working on a railroad line.

Black Laborers in Petersburg

Petersburg National Battlefield

Special Event
  • Feb 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM
  • Free

African American labor at Petersburg took on several forms. Both the city and surrounding areas saw not only a large, enslaved population, but also a sizable freedmen community who worked as laborers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. During the nine-and-a-half-month standoff between the U.S. and Confederacy in the American Civil War, African Americans in Petersburg found their labor invaluable for both belligerents’ effort to break the stalemate, leaving behind a complex and compelling history.

Meet the Ranger at the Eastern Front Visitor Center flag pole, for a short walk.

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 37.243868, -77.356917

Schedule

Date:

Feb 15, 2025

Time:

2:30 PM

Duration:

45 minutes

Contact Information

Eric Schreiner

Contact Us

Event Type

  • Guided Tour
  • Hike
  • Talk
  • Walk
Tags: ranger program, laborers