Near Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Mysterious Historic Feature
The Breakthrough Trail
| | Pamplin Historical Park | |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
1. A Mysterious Historic Feature Marker
This building was part of the Tudor Hall plantation owned by the Boisseau family. Research has not revealed who lived here, but it is possible that members of the family or plantation employees, such as an overseer and his family, occupied this home. The relatively elaborate construction and its isolated location make it doubtful that it served as slave quarters.
The best military map of the area produced in 1867 includes what appears to be a dwelling in approximately this location. However, none of the Confederate sources mentions a house between their fortifications and their picket line, and no Federal account refers to a structure in their path during the Breakthrough attack. It is possible that the building had fallen into ruins before the war or that the Confederates had leveled it to maintain a clear field of fire in front of their works.
Further historical and archaeological research might tell us more about this mysterious dwelling. In the meantime, in the interest of preservation and your own safety, do not disturb
this page online
Sidebar: This structure, the bricks for which were laid in English bond, is an example of how fragile the historical record can be. The origins and occupants of this house remain unknown. After taking this photograph, archeologists backfilled the excavation to preserve it.
Erected by Pamplin Historical Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.
Location. 37° 10.843′ N, 77° 28.202′ W. Marker is near Petersburg, Virginia, in Dinwiddie County. It can be reached from Duncan Road (Virginia Route 670), on the left when traveling south. Marker is in Pamplin Historical Park, on the Breakthrough Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Southside Virginia, and specifically in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Headwaters Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); A Great Struggle is Now Impending (within shouting distance of this marker); The Attack Begins (within shouting distance of this marker); The Breakthrough (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Vermont Brigade (about 400 feet away); A Determination That Knew No Such Word as Fail
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
2. Marker on the Breakthrough Trail
The excavation site can be seen in the photo behind the marker.
More about this marker. The top of the marker contains a photograph of the excavated site. It includes a description of “Pamp Park Civil War features House site. TU #6, profile of north wall, 11/11/97. Chrs Inc.”
Also see . . .
1. Breakthrough at Petersburg. Pamplin Historical Park (Submitted on January 18, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Breakthrough at Petersburg. The American Civil War website. (Submitted on January 18, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
3. The Final Assault. The Civil War Siege of Petersburg. (Submitted on January 18, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
3. Tudor Hall
This house, owned by tobacco farmer William Boisseau, is located in another section of Pamplin Historical Park. The dwelling that stood at the site of the marker was part of his plantation.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,521 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
