The Siege of Petersburg

The Siege of Petersburg. . , Converging rail lines made Petersburg the southern gateway to Richmond. If Petersburg fell, the Confederate capital at Richmond would fall, as well. Both US Army General Grant and Confederate General Lee knew it., For nine and a half months (June 1864-April 1865), the United States and Confederate armies waged a brutal campaign. In Petersburg, the war became a methodical struggle of endurance and hardship. It ended with the Confederacy on the verge of total defeat., 1 Stop . Grant's Headquarters at City Point is 8 miles northeast of Petersburg in Hopewell, VA. During the siege, City Point was one of the busiest ports in America. From his headquarters, Grant directed the movement of Federal armies throughout the South. Highlights include Grant's cabin and the plantation house., 8 Stops . The Eastern Front sites span the entire siege. Soldiers along this front endured constant contact from artillery and rifle fire. In places, the lines were extremely close. Highlights include the Dictator, Fort Stedman, and the Crater., 4 Stops . The Western Front links fortifications and battle sites related to the Union's - efforts to cut Petersburg supply lines, ultimately stretching the Confederate defensive lines to their breaking point. Highlights include Poplar Grove National Cemetery and Fort Fisher., 5 Stops . At Five Forks Battlefield, On April 1, 1865, the U.S. troops defeated and captured nearly 1/5 of the Confederate forces. Petersburg and Richmond fell two days later. Tour stops highlight the battle actions in those areas.