Battle of the Crater, 9 month seige of Petersburg, Virginia

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One of the most intense moments in America’s history took place here. It was here during a 9-month long attack/siege of Petersburg, Virginia that Yankee troops secretly tunneled under the Confederate defensive position and set off 8,000lbs of explosives, instantly killing nearly 300 Confederates and leaving a huge crater still seen today. Incredibly, despite the surprise attack, initial losses, and being outnumbered, the remaining Confederates rallied to inflict over twice as many casualties on the Yankees; 3,800 Yankee vs 1,500 Confederate casualties. The Confederacy’s win at this battle further preserved and saved this city and others from invasion until a later time.

The explosion and subsequent battle, now known as “Battle of the Crater” is depicted in the movie “Cold Mountain” and appears like a scene from the movie 1917 (link below). Many are surprised to discover that trench warfare largely originated during the War between the States and was just as brutal on American soil during the 1860s as it was in Europe during WW1 over 50 years later. Of course, the primary difference was that southern Americans/Virginians were defending their own homes and American city against Lincoln’s Yankees led by Grant.

Petersburg is also notable because it featured the war’s largest concentration of black troops. Incredibly, it was during this battle that Yankees did something that the Confederates were never accused of; shooting their own black soldiers. As the historical marker beside the crater says, “Fearing the results should they be captured with black troops, even white Union [Yankee] troops turned their guns on their black comrades.” Here's photos taken from around the Crater.

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The remains of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia battlesite are on the other side of this fence. Numerous excavations and time has diminished the depth and size of the crater.

This Plaque located beside the crater. It says, "ON THIS HILL FOR ONE MONTH SOUTH CAROLINA TROOPS GUARDED THE ENTRANCE TO PETERSBURG AND HERE JULY 30, 1864, SUFFERED DEATH FROM A MINE EXPLODED BY THE FEDERALS. HERE THE SURVIVING CAROLINIANS UNDER THE COMMAND OF STEPHEN ELLIOTT BY THEIR VALOR TURNED A DREADFUL DISASTER INTO A GLORIOUS VICTORY."






Location: Petersburg, VA, USA

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