Get ready to defend Petersburg! Interactive living history program scheduled for May 24
On May 24, Modern Central Park on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg will be the setting for the living history program, “Who Will Defend Us?” which examines the role of the Petersburg Militia during the Civil War. Come ready to drill. No equipment is necessary as “muskets” will be provided. Think the scenario sounds far fetched? […]
On May 24, Modern Central Park on South Sycamore Street in Petersburg will be the setting for the living history program, “Who Will Defend Us?” which examines the role of the Petersburg Militia during the Civil War. Come ready to drill. No equipment is necessary as “muskets” will be provided.
Think the scenario sounds far fetched? Unfortunately for the citizens of Petersburg, on June 9, 1864, it wasn’t far fetched at all. On that day bells sounded indicating that enemy forces were closing in on the City. While most of the soldiers were away fighting in different areas, the defense of Petersburg was in the hands of a militia made of up men too old or boys too young to be part of the regular army. They succeeded in holding off the Union forces, but not without a terrible cost; The Battle of Old Men and Young Boys took the lives of 15 of Petersburg’s citizens. Visitors are encouraged to remember the sacrifices of these brave men while they participate in some of the same drills those men would have gone through preparing themselves to fight.
Three 45 minute programs begin at 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Parking will be available on East Filmore Street and South Jefferson Street. The program begins at the historical marker located at the intersection of South Sycamore and East Filmore Streets. If the event needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, a cancellation notice will be recorded on the voice mail of ranger Randy Watkins at (804) 732-3531 ext. 205. There is no charge for this event. For more information please call ranger Watkins at (804) 732-3531 ext. 205. The event is sponsored by Petersburg National Battlefield.
Petersburg National Battlefield was established in order to commemorate the campaign, siege, and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865 and to preserve for historical purposes the breastworks, earthworks, walls or other defenses or shelters used by the armies.
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