Last updated: May 5, 2022
Thing to Do
Drive the Eastern Front Tour Road
The Eastern Front Tour Road is a series of battlefields encompassing the first couple months of General Grant's assault on Petersburg in 1864, leading with the opening assaults at Stop #1 and ending at Stop #8 with the Battle of the Crater. The tour road also shows the Battle of Fort Stedman, General Lee's only offensive move for the Petersburg Campaign in the spring of 1865.
The initial assaults that failed to capture the city and the ensuing battles shaped the siege's history on the Eastern Front. After the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864, the United States Army continued south and west of Petersburg, cutting off railroads and major roadways.
Details
Duration
30 Minutes
Just driving the entire Eastern Front Tour Road takes around 15 minutes. Plan for more time if you want to get out at the stops and learn more through the outdoor exhibits.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Pets Allowed
Yes
Dogs are welcome at Petersburg National Battlefield as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. All pet excrement must be collected and removed from the park.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Eastern Front
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Siege Road and the parking areas along Siege Road are open from 9:00 AM to sunset/8:00 PM between March 14, 2021, and November 6, 2021. From November 7, 2021, through March 13, 2022, Siege Road is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Accessibility Information
Stops 1, 5, and 8 have paved pathways with accessible routes to certain areas. Stops 2-4 and 6-7 have flat paths over mowed grass or gravel trails but look for tree roots and other tripping hazards.
All stops have interpretive panels explaining the features seen, and stops 1, 5, and 8 include an audio playback option.
There is accessible access to a picnic area after Stop 3. In the same picnic area, there is an accessible pit-toilet, as well as at Stop 8.