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Civil War Driving Guide
Page 1
Dinwiddie County
Civil War Battles Tour Guide
This booklet will be your guide to a driving tour
of the largest Civil War military actions in Dinwiddie County, one of the
most significant theaters in the entire four-year conflict. With a few
exceptions, these battles were part of U. S. Grant's last offensive in the
Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, which had as its objective the South
Side Railroad, Lee's last supply line. It will culminate in the breaking of
the "siege" on April 2, 1865, ending 9 ½ months of conflict, and
conceding both Richmond and Petersburg to the Union troops. Seven
days later Lee will surrender at Appomattox.
Each of the 12 battles contained here has driving directions, gps
coordinates, and a brief description. Maps are included, except Weldon
Railroad which is available on site. Battles which have on-site maps will
be noted with an asterisk (*) next to the title. These maps are posted in
larger formats and open to the public. We encourage you to substitute
these for the ones within the guide book. Some of the battle sites are
closed to the public, so please take care not to trespass. Two of the sites
(Five Forks National Battlefield and Pamplin Historical Park) are
museums/parks with operating hours, which you should check before
starting the tour. An online version of this guide is available.
The tour guide is designed to accompany a larger area map, "Dinwiddie
County Civil War Battles: 1864-1865". The numbered sites on the area
map correspond with the numbered battles following. Road signs with
the same number locate each tour stop. Driving directions are in italics.
Underlined road names indicate that the modern road closely follows
the Civil War-era road route. A blue star
indicates the tour stop on
the battle-map. The tour begins at Dinwiddie Court House (14101
Boydton Plank Rd., Dinwiddie, VA 23841, N37⁰ 04.636 – W077⁰ 35.225).
For more information about this historic building, see the Dinwiddie
Historical Society web site (http://www.dinwiddiehistory.org).
The tour follows the shortest route, which is not chronological. ◄◄
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For an alternate tour covering some of the sites; the Q&R codes located on the back of the guide
will allow users to download the FREE Petersburg Battle App. Review historian videos, audio
accounts of soldiers, photos, orders of battle, key facts, and more!
Proceed north on SR 627 (Courthouse Road) 1 mile to tour marker 1.
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1
Dinwiddie Court House (March 31, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 05.772 – W077⁰ 35.205
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US];
Maj. Gen. George Pickett and Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: 20,500 total (10,000 US; 10,500 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 354 US; 760 CS
Description: [This battle is fought on the same day as White Oak Road
(stop # 3), and the day before Five Forks (stop # 2). Lee's Army is being
stretched to the breaking point by Grant's last offensive.]
On March 29, with the Cavalry Corps and the II and V Corps, Sheridan
undertook a flank march to turn Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Petersburg
defenses. A steady downpour turned the roads to mud, slowing the
advance. On March 31, Maj. Gen. W.H. Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry and
Pickett’s infantry division attacked Sheridan's Cavalry Corps north and
northwest of Dinwiddie Court House (battle-map: 1 & 3), driving it back
to just north of the Court House (.5 mile south, battle-map: 4), where
reinforcements allowed Sheridan to reform his line. Confederate attacks
launched from this point, the war-time Bonneville Farm (marked “A.
Adams” on the battle-map), failed to break this new line. With Union
infantry approaching from the east, Pickett withdrew before daybreak
to entrench at the vital road junction at Five Forks. Lee ordered Pickett
to hold this intersection at all costs. The war-time Adams home, as well
as the home marked “Mrs. Adams” still stand at either end of the driveway. All property is private; please do not go beyond the road rightof-way.
Result(s): Confederate victory.◄ ◄
From stop 1, drive north on SR 627 (Courthouse Road) 3.4 miles until you
reach the entrance to Five Forks Battlefield Visitor Center (National Park
Service).
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*Five Forks (April 1, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 08.120 – W077⁰ 37.064
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan [US];
Maj. Gen. George Pickett [CS]
Forces Engaged: 32,000 total (22,000 US; 10,000 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 830 US; 2,950 CS
Description: Gen. Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett with his infantry division
and Munford’s, W.H.F. Lee’s, and Rosser’s cavalry divisions to hold the
vital crossroads of Five Forks at all hazard, extending Lee’s Petersburg
lines to the breaking point. On April 1, while Sheridan’s cavalry pinned
the Confederate force in position, the V Corps under Maj. Gen. G.K.
Warren attacked and overwhelmed the Confederate left flank, taking
many prisoners. Loss of Five Forks threatened Lee’s last supply line, the
South Side Railroad. The next morning, Lee informed Jefferson Davis
that Petersburg and Richmond must be evacuated. Union general
Winthrop was killed; “Willie” Pegram, beloved Confederate artillery
officer, was mortally wounded. Dissatisfied with his performance at
Five Forks, Sheridan relieved Warren of command of the V Corps.
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Result(s): Union victory. ◄◄
From the Five Forks VC parking lot, turn left on SR 627, drive to SR 613
(White Oak Road), turn right, then go to SR 631 (Claiborne Road). White
Oak Battlefield parking lot is at this junction. This site is preserved by
the Civil War Trust. You will find the maps along the trail.
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*White Oak Road (March 31, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 09.120 – W077⁰ 32.975
Other Names: Hatcher’s Run, Gravelly Run, Boydton Plank
Road, White Oak Ridge
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren [US]; Gen.
Robert E. Lee and Lt. Gen. Richard H. Anderson [CS]
Forces Engaged: 20,000 total (15,000 US; 5,000 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 1,870 US; 800 CS
Description: On March 30, prior to the Battle of Five Forks, Lee shifted
reinforcements to meet the Federal movement to turn his right flank,
placing Maj. Gen. W.H. Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry divisions at Five Forks and
transferring Pickett’s division from the Bermuda Hundred front to join
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Fitz Lee. Warren pushed the V Corps forward and entrenched a line to
cover the Boydton Plank Road from its intersection with Dabney Mill
Road south to Gravelly Run. Ayres’s division advanced northwest
toward White Oak Road. On March 31 (the same day as the Battle of
Dinwiddie Court House), in combination with Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan’s
thrust via Dinwiddie Court House, Warren directed his corps against the
Confederate entrenchments along White Oak Road, hoping to cut Lee’s
communications with Pickett at Five Forks. The Union advance was
stalled by a crushing counterattack directed by Maj. Gen. Bushrod
Johnson, but Warren’s position stabilized by a Union counterattack,
which allowed his soldiers to close on the road by day’s end. This
fighting set up the Confederate defeat at Five Forks on April 1.
Result(s): Union gained ground. ◄◄
From the Battlefield parking lot turn left, then immediately turn left
again at the stop sign, onto SR 613. Go to the stop sign at US 1 (Boydton
Plank Road, turn left (north). A short distance ahead on the left (before
creek) you will see 2 Virginia Historic Markers, carefully turn left into the
pull-over area, facing the way you came (south).
th
Petersburg, Va. Company F, 114 Pennsylvania Infantry (Zouaves) with bayonets
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4
Burgess’ Mill (Oct 27-28, 1864)
GPS: N37⁰ 09.182 – W077⁰ 31.039
Other Names: Hatcher’s Run, Boydton Plank Road
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock
[US]; Maj. Gen. Henry Heth [CS]
Forces Engaged: 41,700 total (30,000 US; 11,700 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 1,758 US; 1,300 CS
Description: [Burgess’ Tavern stood in the northeast corner of Boydton
Plank Road and White Oak Road.]
The fall preceding Grant’s last offensive, he made his first attempt to
turn the Confederate right and cut the South Side Railroad. Directed by
Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, divisions from three Union corps (II,
V, and IX) and Gregg’s cavalry division, numbering more than 30,000
men, withdrew from the Petersburg lines and marched west to operate
against the Boydton Plank Road and South Side Railroad. The initial
Union advance on October 27 gained the Boydton Plank Road, a major
campaign objective. But that afternoon, a counterattack near Burgess’
Mill spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Henry Heth’s division and Maj. Gen.
Wade Hampton’s cavalry isolated the II Corps and forced a retreat. The
Confederates retained control of the Boydton Plank Road for the rest of
the winter.
Result(s): Confederate victory. ◄◄
Turn right (south) on Boydton Plank Rd., proceed to SR 660 (Quaker
Road), turn left. Drive .7 miles to the historic marker “Quaker Road
Engagement” on your left. Pull over in a safe spot. The historic marker
is located directly west of the Lewis Farm site indicated on the battlemap. This is private property so please be respectful.
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5
Lewis’s Farm (March 29, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 07.535 – W077⁰ 31.702
Other Names: Quaker Road, Military Road, Gravelly Road
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren [US]; Maj.
Gen. Bushrod R. Johnson [CS]
Forces Engaged: 20,000 total (15,000 US; 5,000 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 380 US; 370 CS
Description: On March 29, in the opening moves of Grant’s last
offensive, Sheridan marched with the army’s cavalry followed by the V
Corps toward Dinwiddie Court House to turn the right flank of Lee’s
Petersburg defenses. The Union V Corps under Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren
crossed Rowanty Creek, moved up the Quaker Road toward the
Boydton Plank Road intersection, and encountered Johnson's
Confederate brigades. A sharp firefight precipitated by Brig. Gen. Joshua
Chamberlain’s leading brigade forced the Confederates back to their
entrenchments on the White Oak Road. Chamberlain received another
wound here, which came close to killing him.
Result(s): Union victory. ◄◄
Return to Boydton Plank Rd. by the route you traveled, turn right, then
right on SR 613 (Dabney Mill Rd). Drive 2.2 miles to the “Battle of
Hatcher’s Run” historic marker, on the right. Pull into the parking lot for
the site preserved by the Civil War Trust.
Petersburg, VA Federal soldiers removing artillery from Confederate fortifications
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th
Above: Battle of Hatcher’s Run / Top of the Map is North - February 5 1865
th
Above: Battle of Hatcher’s Run / Top of the Map is South – February 6 1865
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*Hatcher's Run (Feb 5-7, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 07.491 – W077⁰ 29.817
Other Names: Dabney’s Mill, Rowanty Creek, Armstrong’s
Mill, Vaughan Road
Principal Commanders: Commanders: Maj. Gen. A.A.
Humphreys and Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren [US]; Maj. Gen.
John B. Gordon [CS]
Forces Engaged: 48,352 total (34,517 US; 13,835 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 1,539 US; 1,000 CS
Description: After the repulse at Burgess’ Mill the previous October,
Grant again attempted a turning movement on the Confederate right.
On February 5, Bvt. Brig. Gen. David Gregg’s cavalry division rode out to
the Boydton Plank Road via Ream's Station and Dinwiddie Court House
in an attempt to intercept Confederate supply trains. Maj. Gen. G.K.
Warren with the V Corps crossed Hatcher’s Run and took up a blocking
position on the Vaughan Road to prevent interference with Gregg’s
operations. Two divisions of the II Corps under Maj. Gen. A.A.
Humphreys shifted west to near Armstrong’s Mill to cover Warren’s
right flank. Late in the day, Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon attempted to turn
Humphreys right flank near the mill but was repulsed. During the night,
the Federals were reinforced by two divisions. On February 6, Gregg
returned to Gravelly Run on the Vaughan Road from his unsuccessful
raid and was attacked by elements of Brig. Gen. John Pegram’s
Confederate division. Warren pushed forward a reconnaissance in the
vicinity of Dabney’s Mill and was attacked by Pegram’s and Maj. Gen.
William Mahone’s divisions. Pegram was killed in the action. Although
the Union advance was stopped, the Federals extended their siegeworks to the Vaughan Road crossing of Hatcher’s Run.
Result(s): Union gained ground. ◄◄
Exit the parking lot, turn right on Dabney Mill Rd., drive to the stop sign
at SR 670 (Duncan Rd.), and turn right. Proceed to the stop sign at
Squirrel Level Rd, coming in from the left; turn right, continuing on
Duncan Rd. Drive to another stop sign at Vaughan Rd., turn right again.
Turn left on SR 605 (Old Stage Rd.), then drive to SR 606 (Reams Rd.),
turn right. Just before the junction with SR 604 (Halifax Rd.), turn left
into the parking lot for the Battle of Ream’s Station, preserved by the
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Civil War Trust. Be sure to visit the Civil War Trails markers near the
church across Halifax Rd.
7
*Ream's Station (August 25, 1864)
GPS: N37⁰ 05.617 – W077⁰ 25.419
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock
[US]; Maj. Gen. Henry Heth [CS]
Forces Engaged: 18,500 total (9,000 US; 9,500 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 2,747 US; 814 CS
Description: [This battle follows closely that of the Weldon
Railroad/Globe Tavern, August 18-21, your next stop.]
On August 24, after securing the newly won line at Globe Tavern,
Gregg’s cavalry division led the Union II Corps south along the Weldon
Railroad. Their goal was to destroy the track as far south as possible. On
August 25, Maj. Gen. Henry Heth attacked and overran the isolated
Union position at Ream’s Station, capturing 9 guns, 12 colors, and many
prisoners. The old II Corps was shattered. Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott
Hancock withdrew to the main Union line near the Jerusalem Plank
Road, bemoaning the declining combat effectiveness of his troops.
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Result(s): Confederate victory. ◄◄
At the exit to the Ream’s Station parking lot, turn left, and then left
again at the stop sign onto SR 604 (Halifax Rd., located on the war-time
Weldon Railroad track bed). Proceed 5.1 miles to Fort Wadsworth on
the left, a National Park Service site. Park in the lot next to the Fort.
No map is included for this battle.
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*Weldon Railroad (August 18-21, 1864)
GPS: N37⁰ 10.039 – W077⁰ 24.948
Other Names: Globe Tavern, Yellow Tavern, Yellow House,
Blick’s Station
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren [US]; Gen.
Robert E. Lee, Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill, Maj. Gen. Henry Heth, and
Maj. Gen. William Mahone [CS]
Forces Engaged: 34,000 total (20,000 US; 14,000 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 4,279 US; 1,600 CS
Description: While Hancock’s command demonstrated north of the
James River at Deep Bottom, the Union V Corps and elements of the IX
and II Corps under command of Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren were withdrawn
from the Petersburg entrenchments to operate against the Weldon
Railroad. At dawn August 18, Warren advanced, driving back
Confederate pickets until reaching the railroad at Globe Tavern. In the
afternoon, Maj. Gen. Henry Heth’s division attacked driving Ayres’s
division back toward the tavern. Both sides entrenched during the night.
On August 19, Maj. Gen. William Mahone, whose division had been
hastily returned from north of James River, attacked with five infantry
brigades, rolling up the right flank of Crawford’s division. Heavily
reinforced, Warren counterattacked and by nightfall had retaken most
of the ground lost during the afternoon’s fighting. On the 20th, the
Federals laid out and entrenched a strong defensive line covering the
Blick House and Globe Tavern and extending east to connect with the
main Federal lines at Jerusalem Plank Road. On August 21, Hill probed
the new Federal line for weaknesses but could not penetrate the Union
defenses. With the fighting at Globe Tavern, Grant succeeded in
extending his siege lines to the west and cutting Petersburg’s primary
rail connection with Wilmington, North Carolina. The Confederates
were now forced to off-load rail cars at Stony Creek Station for a 30Civil War Driving Guide
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mile wagon haul up Boydton Plank Road to reach Petersburg.
5Confederate General John C.C. Sanders was killed on August 21.
Result(s): Union victory. ◄◄
Turn left from the Fort Wadsworth lot onto SR 676 (Flank Rd.), pass 1
stop sign, and at 2nd stop sign turn right, continuing on Flank Rd. Cross
SR 613 (Squirrel Level Rd.) and pass Forts Urmston then Conahey on the
right. At next stop sign (Fort Fisher on right) turn left on SR 672 (Church
Rd.). Proceed to cemetery on right, turn into 2nd entrance (after flag
pole). About 100 yards ahead along the paved road the Confederate
“Squirrel Level” earthwork line crosses the road; on the right side of the
road the line continues to Fort Wheaton (marked as “Fort Archer” on the
battle map). Confederate Fort Archer was captured by Union troops in
the fighting here, and reversed to serve as Union Fort Wheaton. All
property is private, except where the NPS boundary signs are; do not
trespass, and do not walk on the earthworks.
GENERAL WARREN’S HEADQUARTERS AT GLOBE TAVERN; FROM A SKETCH MADE AT THE TIME.
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9
Peebles’ Farm (Sep 30-Oct 2, 1864)
GPS: N37⁰ 10.182 – W077⁰ 26.940
Other Names: Poplar Springs Church, Wyatt’s Farm,
Chappell’s House, Pegram’s Farm, Vaughan Road, Harmon
Road
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George G. Meade, Maj.
Gen. John G. Parke, and Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren [US]; Lt.
Gen. A.P. Hill and Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]
Forces Engaged: 41,800 total (29,800 US; 12,000 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 3,000 US; 1,300 CS
Description: In combination with Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler’s offensive
north of the James River, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant extended his left
flank to cut Confederate lines of communication southwest of
Petersburg. Two divisions of the IX corps under Maj. Gen. John G. Parke,
two divisions of the V Corps under Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren, and Brig.
Gen. David M. Gregg’s cavalry division were assigned to the operation.
On September 30, the Federals marched via Poplar Spring Church to
reach Squirrel Level and Vaughan Roads. The initial Federal attack
overran Fort Archer, flanking the Confederates out of their Squirrel
Level Road line. Late afternoon, Confederate reinforcements arrived,
slowing the Federal advance. On October 1, the Federals repulsed a
Confederate counterattack directed by Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill. Reinforced by
Maj. Gen. Gershom Mott’s division, the Federals resumed their advance
on the 2nd, captured Fort MacRae which was lightly defended, and
extended their left flank to the vicinity of Peebles’ and Pegram’s Farms.
With these limited successes, Meade suspended the offensive. A new
line was entrenched from the Federal works on Weldon Railroad to
Pegram’s Farm.
Result(s): Union victory. ◄◄
Turn left on SR 672, passing Fort Fisher on the right, then a water tower
on your right, then pass the stop sign at Hofheimer Way, continuing on
Church Rd. until you reach the stop sign at Weakley Rd. Turn right and
follow SR 672 until the stop sign at SR 142 (Simpson Rd., war-time
Boydton Plank Rd.). Fort Gregg is in the field to your right front. Turn
left on Simpson, then right on SR 319 (7th Ave.). Park in the lot on your
right. You may walk to the Fort directly ahead.
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10
*Fort Gregg (April 2, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 11.873 – W077⁰ 27.258
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John Gibbon [US];
Brig. Gen Nathaniel Harris [CS]
Forces Engaged: 5,300 total (5,000 US; 300 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 714 US; 256 CS
Description: [This battle occurs a few hours after “The Breakthrough”,
your next stop.]
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Attempting to stem the tide of Union soldiers closing on Petersburg,
Gen. Lee made one last effort to prevent the destruction of his troops in
the “Cockade City”. Gen. Harris’ Mississippi Brigade was ordered into
Forts Gregg and Whitworth, with orders to hold as long as possible
while Lee organized a defense and prepared to leave the city. Harris’
men withstood three Union attacks before they were surrounded and
overwhelmed. This desperate action practically eliminated Harris’
Brigade, but the time gained was worth the cost: Lee’s cobbled line was
ready, and would hold until he could evacuate Petersburg after dark.
Result(s): Union victory. ◄◄
Exit the parking lot, turn left on 7th Ave., then right at stop sign on SR
142. Drive to Boydton Plank Rd., and at traffic light turn left, then go .9
miles to the entrance to Pamplin Historical Park. You will see one of the
stops for “Lee’s Retreat”, another tour you may enjoy. Your area map
shows the route, which begins here, and ends at Appomattox Court
House. There is a fee for entry for this Park, and there is no other way to
view this stop up close. If you do not want to pay the fee, you can view
the site from a distance: return north on US 1 & turn right on Duncan Rd,
then drive .6 miles and pull over where safe. Refer to the following map;
your location is indicated by the large blue star. The original restored
“Boisseau” house is on your right; the “initial breakthrough” marked by
the small blue star is about .5 mile to your left-rear.
Petersburg, VA fortifications
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11
*The Breakthrough (April 2, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 11.241 – W077⁰ 28.734
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Horatio Wright
[US]; Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill [CS]
Forces Engaged: 16,800 total (14,000 US; 2,800 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 1,100 US; 1,100 CS
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Description: With Confederate defeat at Five Forks on April 1, Grant
ordered a general assault against the Petersburg lines on April 2. These
assaults focused on two points of the Confederate lines: in this location,
and farther to the west. While both were successful in breaching Lee’s
fortifications, the assault here was by far the most successful, and has
earned the sobriquet “The Breakthrough”. Using a ravine that led
directly to the enemy position, Wright used this feature as a guide for
his Corps. Advancing at 4:40 am in a wedge-shaped formation, the
Union troops overwhelmed the outnumbered Confederates, and rolled
up the Southern line. Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill was killed trying to reach his
troops in the confusion. A brief Confederate stand at Forts Gregg and
Whitworth gained Lee valuable time to prepare for withdrawal; after
dark he ordered the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. Grant had
achieved one of the major military objectives of the war: the capture of
Petersburg, which led to the fall of Richmond, the Capital of the
Confederacy.
Result(s): Union victory. ◄◄
Return to Boydton Plank Rd., either from the Pamplin Historical Park
parking lot, or via Duncan Rd. Turn left and drive to the traffic light at
the junction of US 460 (war-time Cox Rd.), turn right. Drive 4.4 miles,
turn right on to SR 708 (Namozine Rd.), and then pull into the “Lee’s
Retreat” parking area a short distance ahead on the left. “Ocran M.E.
Church” on the battle map still stands, although it has been modified.
Petersburg, Virginia. Confederate breastworks in front of Petersburg
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12
Sutherland Station (April 2, 1865)
GPS: N37⁰ 11.808 – W077⁰ 33.867
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles
[US]; Maj. Gen. Henry Heth and Maj. Gen. Cadmus
Wilcox [CS]
Forces Engaged: 12,000 total (8,000 US; 4,000 CS)
Estimated Casualties: 370 US; 600 CS
Description: Following the Breakthrough, Union columns converged on
the retreating Confederates. Part of Mile's force struck north from
White Oak Road meeting elements of four Confederate brigades
(Cooke, Scales, MacRae, McGowan) attempting to defend the South
Side Railroad. This initial attack was repulsed; a second frontal assault
also failed. However, a third assault on the Confederate left flank at
Ocran Methodist Church front broke the rebel line. The Confederate
defenders were scattered and driven northwestward. With this victory,
the Federals obtained an uncontested claim on the South Side Railroad,
Gen. Robert E. Lee's last supply line into Petersburg.
Result(s): Union victory ◄◄
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END OF DRIVING TOUR
All original material copyright Jeffrey S. Dean, 2012. Black and white maps are the property of Chris
Calkins; color maps are the property of the Civil War Trust. All maps are used with permission.
Battle descriptions are derived from the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission “Battle Summaries”
web site (National Park Service, American Battlefield Protection Program). They have been
edited/supplemented where appropriate.
November 9, 2012
For additional information on the Dinwiddie County Civil War Battles Tour Guide, contact
the Dinwiddie Historical Society. For the complete list of tourism activities and
attractions in Dinwiddie County, review; www.DiscoverDinwiddie.com
Dinwiddie Historical Society
14101 Boydton Plank Road Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: 804-469-5346 Website: www.dinwiddiehistory.org
Pamplin Historical Park & the National
Museum of the Civil War Soldier
6125 Boydton Plank Road North Dinwiddie, VA 23803
Phone: 1-804-861-2408 Website: www.pamplinpark.org
Virginia’s Retreat
19 Bolling Brook Street Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: 1-800-673-8732 Website: www.varetreat.com
Petersburg National Battlefield
-Headquarters-
1539 Hickory Hill Road Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531 Website: www.nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield
-Five Forks Unit-
9840 Courthouse Road Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: 804-469-4093 Website: www.nps.gov
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www.DiscoverDinwiddie.com
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Phone: 1-800-673-8732
Website: www.varetreat.com
Petersburg National Battlefield
-Headquarters1539 Hickory Hill Road Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: 804-732-3531 Website: www.nps.gov
Petersburg National Battlefield
-Five Forks Unit9840 Courthouse Road Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: 804-469-4093 Website: www.nps.gov
HISTORIC DINWIDDIE COURT HOUSE
Built in 1851, the Dinwiddie County Court House was the headquarters of
Union General Philip H. Sheridan during the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House.
The Union victory at Five Forks led to the capture of Lee’s last railroad supply
line into Petersburg and the eventual fall of the city. The adjacent Calvary
Episcopal Church was used as a hospital by the First Maine Cavalry. Markers
commemorate battles fought in the County and ten unknown Union soldiers
buried in the churchyard. The Court House was active through 1998 and is
now home to the Dinwiddie County Historical Society and serves as a museum.
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Open for tours Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For an alternate tour covering some of the 12 Dinwiddie sites; The Petersburg Battle App is the
perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Petersburg Campaign battlefields. Use
GPS to guide your tour from the initial fighting on the Eastern Flank and the Battle of the Crater to
the final moments of the campaign at Five Forks and The Breakthrough.
The App is FREE and downloadable for Android and Apple systems through the Q & R codes below.
Civil War Driving Guide
Q & R for Google play
Page 28
Q & R for iTunes