Shared by Zachary Pittard, Education Support Specialist, as Guest Blogger.

On the evening of April 6, 1865, three battles erupted in the valleys and hillsides in the heart of Virginia. A family farm would see its fields and woodlands wrought with battle. 

One hundred fifty-on years later, you can walk in the footsteps of soldiers and civilians at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park commemorative event held on Saturday, April 9, 2016.

Cavalry troopers will provide demonstrations about their mounts to the weapons they carried one hundred fifty years ago

Why here?

The aftermath of these battles would leave Lee’s once vaunted Army of Northern Virginia mortally wounded and crippled. Seven thousand seven hundred soldiers and eight generals were captured and nearly 600 wagons either captured or destroyed left Lee’s army reduced by a quarter of its size at the start of the Appomattox Campaign. This would lead to his surrender three days later at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865 thus ending the American Civil War in Virginia. 

Living History

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday April 9 the historic Hillsman House will be alive with living historians portraying the typical civilian on the home front and United States medical personnel. Along the George Washington Custis Lee Trail there will be camps of Confederate and Federal infantry as well as a detachment of Confederate Marines who, historically, were swept up in the evacuation of Richmond and were assigned to the role of infantry. These troops will be available for discussions and demonstrations on their camps, gear, uniforms, and weapons.

Visit camps of Confederate and Federal infantry learn about their gear, uniforms, and weapons at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park

Demonstations

At the trail head of the Joseph Kershaw Trail, a company of Michigan Cavalry troopers will provide demonstrations and discussions including everything from their mounts to the weapons they carried.  Throughout the day, three scheduled black powder demonstrations will be held at the trail heads. 

Dedication

At 2:00 p.m. we invite all visitors to join park staff for the dedication and guided tour of the newly established George Pickett Trail located at the Marshall’s Crossroads site. 

Getting Here

The park is located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, VA 23966, office phone (804) 561-7510

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to three and a half hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, two hours.

Directions to Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park can be found here on a Google Map.