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

South Side Station

The Retreat Begins

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2007

1. South Side Station - The Retreat Begins

Inscription. Begin the 26-stop auto driving tour of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox at this point. The tour covers over 100 miles and takes approximately four to five hours to complete. A map can be obtained at the nearby Visitors Center. Be sure to stop at the various pull-overs and tune your radio to AM 1610 unless otherwise noted at the sites. A three to five minute narrative will be playing which explains the importance of each location.

When Lee’s forces withdrew from Petersburg on the evening of April 2, 1865, they were instructed to destroy the South Side Railroad cars behind the station. The aftermath of that destruction is recorded in these period views.

(caption) A damaged locomotive and tender which fell into the Appomattox River off the burned bridge that ran to the South Side R.R. machine shops. After the war the locomotive was salvaged and put back into use.

(caption) A view from the west of the station, note the wheels of the burned cars to the left of the photograph.

Erected by Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 2, 1864.

Location.

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37° 14.028′ N, 77° 24.237′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Cockade Alley and River Street, on the right when traveling north on Cockade Alley. Marker is located in the northwest corner of Petersburg Visitors Center parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named South Side Station (here, next to this marker); The McIlwaine House (within shouting distance of this marker); Farmers Market (within shouting distance of this marker); 1864-1865: The Bombardment of Petersburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Petersburg’s Old Towne (within shouting distance of this marker); Touring Old Towne (within shouting distance of this marker); Petersburg’s Natural Parks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Also see . . .
1. Lee's Retreat. (Submitted on March 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Civil War Traveler - Lee's Retreat to Appomattox. (Submitted on March 5, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Civil War Trails markers at Petersburg Visitors Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 25, 2007

2. Civil War Trails markers at Petersburg Visitors Center

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2007, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,652 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2007, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.