ABOUT PETERSBURG

The Petersburg area has a firm place in our nation’s history books. From the founding of the Citie of Henricus in 1611 in Chesterfield County to Revolutionary and Civil War battles fought in Petersburg, the area was destined to become a place of importance in Virginia and American history. Situated along the James River and at the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers, the Petersburg Area played a significant role in our nation’s early days and continues to be a region of great historic, commercial and economic importance.

A devastating fire on a hot summer night in 1815 wiped out the old towne of Petersburg, a collection of wooden warehouses and homes along the Appomattox River. The brick commercial district that grew from the ashes became a crossroads for batteaux on the canals and trading ships on the river. Major railroads extended north and south from the city. Old Towne today is a district of antique galleries, boutiques, craft shops, restaurants, cafes, and a mix of renovated residences. Although the oldest part of Petersburg lies along the bank of the Appomatox River, Old Towne Petersburg extends South to Wythe Street. City government offices, the beautiful Courthouse complex, the Petersburg Visitors Center, the Petersburg Area Art League and scores of historic and architecturally significant structures are located in Old Towne Petersburg.