Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Battle of Petersburg

25 April 1781

— Second Line Of Defense —

Battle of Petersburg Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

1. Battle of Petersburg Marker

Inscription. On 25 Apr. 1781, American Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg’s Virginia militia fell back west from Blandford, under heavy British fire, to a prepared line of defense here along the crest of this hill. This second line of Virginia militia, consisting of four regiments of infantry, extended from the Appomattox River on the north and present-day Washington Street to the south of here. The Virginians repelled several British assaults, but soon their ammunition ran low and, after Maj. Gen. William Phillips unleashed his artillery, Maj. Gen. Friedrich von Steuben, the overall American commander, ordered a retreat west toward the Pocahontas Bridge.

Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number QA-25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1781.

Location. 37° 13.862′ N, 77° 23.859′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is on North Madison Street, 0.1 miles north of East Washington Street (U.S. 301), on the left when traveling north. The marker is in the parking lot of the Southside Virginia Family YMCA. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Battle of Petersburg (a few steps from this marker); East Hill (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln In Petersburg (approx. 0.2 miles away); Petersburg Volunteers 1812 (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Petersburg (approx. ¼ mile away); Ladies Confederate Hospital (approx. ¼ mile away); William Langhorne Bond (1893-1985) (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bollingbrook Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Battle of Blanford, also called the Battle of Petersburg. “The second line, which was to form the main line of defense after the first one fell back, consisted of Ralph Faulkner’s regiment on the left, and John Slaughter’s on the right. The line extended along what is today Madison Street in Petersburg, from a causeway and bridge across the Lieutenant Run, a creek separating Petersburg and Blandford. The line was positioned to maximize the exposure of British troops to gunfire as they approached.” (Submitted on April 23, 2016.)

Battle of Petersburg Marker on N Madison St (facing south). image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 29, 2009

2. Battle of Petersburg Marker on N Madison St (facing south).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,139 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.