March 17, 2008
Commemoration pre-dawn tour of the Breakthrough at Petersburg
On April 2, 1865 in the early morning mist, General Grant gave the order for the Union army to advance on the Confederate defenses at Petersburg. In the assault of more than 14,000 Union soldiers, General Lee’s lines of defense were broken, forcing the Confederate army to evacuate Petersburg and Richmond. Join Pamplin Historical Park historians as they lead you across the Breakthrough Battlefield and share the events that ended the longest siege in American military history.
The tour takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Pamplin Historical Park‚Äôs Hart Farm and begins in the early morning at 5:30 a.m., just as the assault took place nearly 143 years ago. The Pre-Dawn Tour includes a hot buffet breakfast after the program at the Hardtack & Coffee Caf?©. Admission is free for Park members. Non-members have two options: $8 for the tour, which includes a free breakfast, or $15 for the tour, which includes a free breakfast, and Park admission for the day. Please make reservations by calling 804-861-2408 or sending an email.
A full day of activities follows the Pre-Dawn Tour with guided van tours exploring the “Battle of Lewis Farm.” The 75-minute van tours are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Living history programs, demonstrations, and costumed interpretation are presented throughout the Park to include the Fortifications Exhibit, where a combined arms demonstration will be given. A lecture and book signing will take place in the Education Center for Breaking the Backbone of the Rebellion, The Final Battles of the Petersburg Campaign, by A. Wilson Greene, President & CEO. These programs are included with Park admission. Daily admission for adults is $15, seniors (65+) and Military w/ID $13.50, children (6-12) $9, and children under 6 free.
Pamplin Historical Park is located just 30 miles south of downtown Richmond and 7 miles south of Historic Petersburg. Take I-95 south to I-85 south, and Exit 63-A. Travel approximately 1 mile to the Park entrance, located on the left.
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