30 Minutes
Walk Around City Point
Petersburg National Battlefield
Walk around City Point to explore why this area was, and still is, a popular place for living along the rivers. The Eppes family established the Appomattox plantation and their home here as early as 1635, until 1976. In 1864, General Grant and the U.S. Army used City Point as its headquarters to supply the army during the Petersburg Campaign.
On the land between the Appomattox River and the James River was the Eppes' family home and plantation, and later General Grant's headquarters site during the Petersburg Campaign. The Appomattox Plantation was occupied by Dr. Richard Eppes and his family until 1862 when the arrival of Union gunboats on the James River convinced them to move to Petersburg. Their home served as offices for the U.S. Quartermaster and his staff during the siege. When General Grant arrived at City Point on June 15th, 1864, Grant's headquarters was in a tent on the east lawn of the Eppes' family plantation. The cabin was built in November 1864 and is the only remaining structure from a series of 22 log cabins erected for Grant and his staff. Grant's wife and son Jesse stayed with him during the last three months of the siege.
Tags
Self-Guided Tours - WalkingCivil Warwalking tourSelf-guidedPetersburg CampaignPetersburg National Battlefield
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Details
Duration
30 Minutes
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
If the parking lot is open, an accessible paved sidewalk leads to the main family home, Appomattox Manor. The grounds around the buildings are mowed but look for tiny dips and other tripping hazards when walking to General Grant's Cabin.
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. Dogs are prohibited from any federal building.
Reservations
No
Location
City Point