Petersburg in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Breakthrough
| | The Breakthrough Trail | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, September 21, 2024
1. Chaplain Milton Jennings Miller Marker
The breaking of the lines at Petersburg sparked major events that followed in quick succession - the evacuation and capture of Richmond, the pursuit to Appomattox, the surrender of Lee's Army, and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. This whirlwind period left the battle's participants with mixed emotions. "We are now enjoying camp life... with no foe in front to disturb the soldier's midnight rest, or hasten reveille," wrote Chaplain Milton J. Miller in mid-April. "Our victory was most brilliant and substantial in its results. Though the recent national calamity has turned our joy into inexpressible grief, and revealed the horrible crime of treason as it never was before, the soldiers trust that soon their march will be homeward; that no further sacrifice is needed." After the war Miller settled in Geneseo, Illinois.
Chaplain Milton Jennings Miller
110th Ohio Infantry
2nd Brigade, 3rd Division (Seymour)
Sixth Corps
Resident: Clark County, Ohio
Appointed: August 1864
Erected by Pamplin Historical Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1865.
Location. 37° 10.836′ N, 77° 28.447′ W. Marker is in Petersburg
this page online
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: Lieutenant Colonel George B. Damon (here, next to this marker); Brother vs. Brother (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Lieutenant Octavius Augustus Wiggins (within shouting distance of this marker); First Man Over the Works (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Breakthrough (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Confederate Fortifications (about 300 feet away); Confederate Winter Huts (about 300 feet away); Petersburg Breakthrough Battlefield (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Marker replaces the linked marker.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, September 21, 2024
2. Short Loop, Breakthrough Trail
View from the vicinity of the marker showing the trail winding north. The marker is out of frame to the lower left.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 42 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 30, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
