PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — The Petersburg National Battlefield, the historical site of the Siege of Petersburg during the Civil War, is asking for volunteers to assist this 28th Annual Park Day.
According to a press release, this event is an annual hands-on historical preservation event sponsored by national nonprofit American Battlefield Trust, which specializes in keeping historic sites and battlefields “clean, open and accessible.”
This year, Petersburg National Battlefield needs volunteers to aid in clearing taller vegetation, such as young trees and bushes, from the field surrounding Confederate Fort Gregg — particularly in the area between the path and the highway border.
A battle between Confederate troops and federal soldiers took place at this fort on April 2, 1865, according to the press release. The standoff that took place there allowed General Robert E. Lee to delay the Confederate Army’s eventual retreat until further into the evening.
“A Homeric defense at Confederate Fort Gregg saved Lee from possible street fighting in Petersburg,” according to the National Park Service, which added that all of this took place a week before Lee’s final surrender at Appomattox Court House, according to the National Park Service.
This cleanup event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 6. Those interested in signing up can email PETE_VIP@nps.gov to register.
According to the release, registration is limited to 35 total volunteers and is not recommended for young children due to the amount of physical labor involved. Equipment will be provided, but volunteers are highly recommended to bring the following:
- Plenty of water
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Appropriate clothing (long pants, closed-toe shoes that you’re willing to get wet, gloves)
Volunteers are asked to meet up at the parking area for Fort Gregg on the day of the event.
