Petersburg: A Historic Virginia City Rich in Culture and Heritage

Petersburg, located in Virginia, is a city with a long and storied history. Founded in 1748, Petersburg has been shaped by major historical events and has persevered to become the vibrant city it is today. With a 2020 population of around 33,500, Petersburg is small enough to retain its historic charm yet large enough to offer an array of cultural attractions.

Early History

The area where Petersburg sits today was originally home to the Appomattox tribe, part of the Powhatan Confederacy. In 1645, the Virginia House of Burgesses ordered Fort Henry to be built near the Appomattox Falls to defend against Native American attacks. This fort attracted traders and settlers to the area.

Petersburg itself was officially established as a town in 1748 through the consolidation of several early settlements. The town was named for “Peters Point,” the nearby trading post opened by Peter Jones decades earlier. Petersburg grew quickly as a tobacco trading hub and river port thanks to its strategic location near the Appomattox River falls.

During the Revolutionary War, Petersburg served as an important supply point for the Continental Army. The town’s militia unit, the Petersburg Volunteers, earned distinction for their brave fighting at the Siege of Fort Meigs in 1813. This inspired President James Madison to dub Petersburg the “Cockade of the Union.”

Antebellum Era Growth

In the decades before the Civil War Petersburg flourished as a commercial and industrial center. As Virginia’s 11th largest city in 1860, Petersburg was a major tobacco processing and metalworking hub. The city was home to several mills and foundries, as well as five iron foundries.

Transportation improvements also fueled Petersburg’s antebellum growth. The Upper Appomattox Canal provided an important early shipping route starting in 1816. Later, Petersburg became a railroad hub, with lines connecting the city to points throughout Virginia and North Carolina. On the eve of the Civil War, Petersburg was second only to Richmond in economic power.

Siege of Petersburg in the Civil War

Petersburg’s railroads and proximity to Richmond made it a strategic prize during the Civil War. After failing to capture Richmond directly in 1864, Union General Ulysses S. Grant laid siege to Petersburg to cut off Richmond’s supplies. The 292-day Siege of Petersburg was highlighted by the bloody Battle of the Crater. Petersburg finally fell in April 1865 as the Confederacy collapsed. More than any other event, the siege devastated and nearly destroyed Petersburg.

Rebuilding Petersburg

In the years after the Civil War, freed slaves migrated to Petersburg in large numbers, establishing churches, businesses, and other institutions. The Reconstruction government made education a priority in Virginia, founding Virginia State University near Petersburg in 1882.

Petersburg’s economy gradually revived around the railroads that had been rebuilt after the war’s destruction However, the city never fully regained its former economic power and was eclipsed by the growth of Richmond in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Still, new military facilities like Camp Lee brought jobs to the Petersburg area during World War I and II.

Civil Rights Movement

Petersburg was over 50% black by 1960 due to the Great Migration and city’s earlier history. In the 1950s and 1960s, African American churches led the fight against segregation and for civil rights. Local landmark events included the Petersburg Peaceful Protest of 1953, the Petersburg Movie Theater Demonstration of 1963, and the Peabody High School walkout of 1951.

Despite progress, Petersburg continued to face economic decline in the late 20th century. But the city has worked to redevelop itself promoting heritage tourism and industrial growth. Anthropologists have conducted prominent research on Petersburg’s long free black history.

Historic and Cultural Attractions

Modern Petersburg still celebrates its long and unique history. The Petersburg National Battlefield preserves famous Civil War sites like the Crater. Museums like the Siege Museum explore Petersburg’s role in the Civil War.

The city also celebrates its black history and culture. The Petersburg Black History Museum at the George Jones House highlights local African American heritage. Historic black churches like Gillfield Baptist Church and First Baptist Church host tours and events. Virginia State University preserves black history and hosts cultural events.

Petersburg has a lively arts and culture scene. The Petersburg Area Art League supports local artists with galleries and events. Popular annual festivals include the Petersburg Jazz Festival and the Petersburg Old Towne Festival. Sports fans enjoy the Petersburg Generals baseball team.

With rich history, culture, and resilience, Petersburg continues to move forward while preserving its iconic past. This distinctive small city rewards visitors with fascinating historic sites and charming Southern culture.