Petersburg is believed to be named after Peter Jones, an early leader in Virginia's military and Indian trade, whose descendants continued to significantly influence the city's development.
Blandford Cemetery, the second largest in Virginia, has served as an active burial ground since 1819 and hosts graves from six wars, notable figures like Governors William Cameron and William Mann, and the largest collection of cast and wrought iron fences in the U.S.
The settlement on the south side of the Appomattox River in the 1630s, the construction of Fort Henry in the 1640s, and the planning of Petersburg in the 1730s were all influenced by the river's falls, which made it a key hub for waterborne transportation and trade.
The establishment of Fort Henry at the falls of the Appomattox River in 1645 expanded the English settlement south of the river, with founding fathers Abraham Wood and Peter Jones playing key roles in military and trading leadership. By the mid-19th century, Old Towne Petersburg had become a significant manufacturing and transportation center, retaining a rich diversity of historical architecture, while in the early 20th century, it thrived as an industrial and commercial hub, with significant contributions during both World Wars and ongoing revitalization and preservation efforts enhancing its historic charm.
Blandford Church, built between 1735 and 1737, is the oldest structure in Petersburg with a well-documented history, serving as a memorial to Southern soldiers who died during the Civil War and featuring stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
The Civil War Siege of Petersburg from June 1864 to April 1865 made the city internationally known, but the earlier Revolutionary War Battle of Petersburg in 1781 also played a critical role, with British forces aiming to sever American communications and supplies, ultimately leading to pivotal clashes involving key generals like George Washington, Nathanael Greene, and Marquis de Lafayette.
The stone structure, believed to date back to around 1665 as part of the Peter Jones Trading Station and the original Fort Henry tract, is the oldest building in Petersburg, serving various roles over the centuries, including a trading station, magazine, and prison.
Petersburg has endured numerous devastating fires throughout its history, with the most destructive occurring on July 16, 1815, which destroyed two-thirds of the town's structures, including 350 buildings and causing approximately $3 million in damages. Following the fire, a committee of leading citizens initiated a major reconstruction effort, resulting in the construction of around 300 brick buildings over the next two years, transforming the city's architectural landscape.
Built in 1817, the Farmers' Bank in Petersburg is one of the oldest bank buildings in the United States, originally established as a branch of the Farmers' Bank of Virginia and featuring notable Federal woodwork and historical artifacts. The bank played a significant role in the city's commercial district until it was liquidated after the Civil War, and it has since been restored and now houses the Petersburg Visitors' Center.
Cotton manufacturing was a dominant industry in Petersburg for about a century beginning in the 1820s, with the city hosting several large cotton mills and employing hundreds of workers, making it the northernmost U.S. city to both receive and process cotton. The industry thrived even during the Civil War, maintaining full-scale operations and contributing significantly to the local economy, though it eventually declined as cotton growing moved further south.
Petersburg, founded in 1748 and incorporated as a borough in 1784, grew around Fort Henry and the Appomattox River, becoming a significant legal and commercial center. The city's courthouse, constructed between 1837-1839 in the Greek Revival style, has been central to numerous historical events, including Civil War battles and Civil Rights Movement protests, and remains a functioning judicial site today.
Chartered in March 1846, the South Side Rail Road ran 124 miles west to Lynchburg, superseding the Upper Appomattox Canal and playing a crucial role during the Civil War by transporting troops and supplies. Despite frequent Union attacks and a devastating 1993 tornado, the South Side Station, built in 1854 and now partially restored, remains one of the most historically significant structures in Petersburg.
The earliest Episcopal Church in the area, Cittie Church, was formed in 1642 and is now known as Saint Paul’s Church, the “mother” church of Bristol Parish. Saint Paul’s moved to its current location on North Union Street in 1857 and has a rich history, including ministering to senior Confederate officers during the Siege of Petersburg. Many significant events have occurred at Saint Paul’s, such as the wedding of Confederate Major General George Pickett and the funerals of local heroes from the Battle of Old Men and Young Boys. The church also served as a place of worship for General Robert E. Lee and other Confederate generals during the Civil War. Today, Saint Paul’s continues to host concerts and worship services, maintaining its historic significance and vibrant community presence.
Virginia slaves’ escape attempts, like the one involving the schooner Keziah in 1858, often sparked outrage among the white population. After five slaves from Petersburg attempted to flee on the Keziah, they were captured, and Captain William Baylis was sentenced to 40 years in prison, although he was released after six years due to his wife's efforts. This and other incidents highlighted the ongoing risks and determined efforts on both sides of the Underground Railroad.
On June 9, 1864, Union Major General Benjamin F. Butler's forces, led by Major General Quincy A. Gillmore and Brigadier General August V. Kautz, attempted to capture Petersburg. Confederate Brigadier General Henry A. Wise, with a small force including Archer’s Battalion composed of old men and boys, defended the city. The militia, despite being outnumbered, bravely held off the Union cavalry at Batteries 27 and 28. Reinforcements arrived just in time to repel the attack, saving Petersburg but resulting in significant casualties among the defenders.
Petersburg, Virginia, endured the longest siege in American history, lasting from June 15, 1864, to April 2, 1865. The Union Army's initial attack aimed to sever the supply lines into Petersburg, leading to continuous bombardment and severe shortages for the city's inhabitants. Under Confederate General Robert E. Lee's command, the Army of Northern Virginia eventually evacuated Petersburg and Richmond, culminating in their surrender a week later at Appomattox Court House. The relentless siege saw significant battles, including the initial attack on Petersburg’s defenses and the fierce fighting that followed, marking a crucial chapter in the Civil War.
On July 30, 1864, Union forces exploded 8,000 pounds of gunpowder beneath Confederate lines at Petersburg, creating a massive crater. Despite the initial success, Union troops became disorganized, and Confederate General Mahone's counterattack sealed the breach. The battle resulted in about 4,000 Union and 1,500 Confederate casualties, marking a tragic failure for the Union.
Union forces defeated Major General Pickett at Five Forks on April 1, 1865, leading to the severing of the South Side Railroad. Grant ordered an assault on Petersburg, resulting in a breakthrough at Pamplin Historical Park. Grant moved his headquarters to the Banks House and invited Lincoln to meet in Petersburg on April 3 at the Thomas Wallace House. They discussed the final stages of the war and plans for a lenient Reconstruction. Shortly after, Lee surrendered at Appomattox on April 9, and Lincoln was assassinated on April 14.
On May 19, 1909, President William Howard Taft attended a reception at Centre Hill mansion hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hall Davis. The event included a luncheon on the south lawn and notable guests like Governors Claude A. Swanson of Virginia and Edwin S. Stuart of Pennsylvania, as well as French Ambassador Jean Adrien Antoine Jules Jusserand. Taft also addressed citizens from the mansion's north portico, participated in a parade, and dedicated monuments honoring Pennsylvania soldiers from the Siege of Petersburg, including the Pennsylvania Monument at Fort Mahone.
Make a donation or become a member today to help preserve Petersburg’s architectural heritage and promote its rich history.