Petersburg (pop. 33,458), in southeastern Virginia, is one of the most historic cities of the South. It lies on the Appomattox River, about 20 miles south of Richmond, Virginia’s capital. Petersburg is in the Richmond metropolitan area, which has a population of 1,314,434.
In 1676, Petersburg’s citizens were active in Bacon’s Rebellion, a revolt against the English government. The city was one of the towns attacked and burned in 1781 by British expeditions led by the American traitor Benedict Arnold. During the War of 1812, Petersburg became known as cockade city because of the jaunty feathered hats worn by its soldiers. The city was the “last ditch of the Confederacy” during the American Civil War (1861-1865). When Petersburg fell in 1865, the Southern forces evacuated Richmond. General Robert E. Lee, head of the Confederate Army, surrendered soon afterward. Within two months, the rest of the Confederate forces surrendered, and the war was over.
The first settlement in Petersburg was made in 1646 near a falls on the Appomattox River. The falls provided a source of power for industrial development, and Petersburg became a major manufacturing center. In the late 1800’s, the city was especially known for its tobacco products. Today, Petersburg’s leading employers include city government, public schools, and health care and retail trade establishments. Tourism is also important to the region’s economy. Manufacturers in the area make optical products, roller bearings, and processed foods. Virginia State University is in the city. Petersburg has a council-manager form of government.
See also Fort Gregg-Adams.
