30 Minutes
Drive the Eastern Front Tour Road
Petersburg National Battlefield
The Eastern Front Tour Road is 4-miles, one-way, and has eight stops encompassing the first couple months of General Grant's assault on Petersburg in 1864.
The Eastern Front Tour Road is a series of battlefields encompassing the first couple months of General Grant's assault on Petersburg in 1864, leading with the opening assaults at Stop #1 and ending at Stop #8 with the Battle of the Crater. The tour road also shows the Battle of Fort Stedman, General Lee's only offensive move for the Petersburg Campaign in the spring of 1865. The initial assaults that failed to capture the city and the ensuing battles shaped the siege's history on the Eastern Front. After the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864, the United States Army continued south and west of Petersburg, cutting off railroads and major roadways.
Tags
Self-Guided Tours - AutoCivil WarDriving tourSelf-guided TourPetersburg CampaignPetersburg National Battlefield
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
30 Minutes
Duration Details
Just driving the entire Eastern Front Tour Road takes around 15 minutes. Plan for more time if you want to get out at the stops and learn more through the outdoor exhibits.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Stops 1, 5, and 8 have paved pathways with accessible routes to certain areas. Stops 2-4 and 6-7 have flat paths over mowed grass or gravel trails but look for tree roots and other tripping hazards. All stops have interpretive panels explaining the features seen, and stops 1, 5, and 8 include an audio playback option. There is accessible access to a picnic area after Stop 3. In the same picnic area, there is an accessible pit-toilet, as well as at Stop 8.
Pets
Yes — Dogs are welcome at Petersburg National Battlefield as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. All pet excrement must be collected and removed from the park.
Reservations
No
Location
Eastern Front