Pamplin Historical Park

160th Breakthrough Battle Anniversary Weekend
2025-03-29 09:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us as we remember the 160th Anniversary of the Breakthrough Battle which ended the Petersburg Campaign and forced the Confederate withdrawal from Richmond.
The Park is hosting a full weekend schedule of activities and programs for walk-in visitors. Attendees will have the opportunity to drill with the troops, see artillery and infantry demonstrations with Civil War reenactors who will fire muskets and cannons. Visitors can experience a “Defend the Works” reenactment program, on the actual Breakthrough Battlefield with reenactors and artillery providing all of the sights and sounds of battle.
Additional programming focuses on a presentation by author and historian Edwin P. Rutan II who will present “High-Bounty Men in the Army of the Potomac.” Rutan will discuss these often disparaged and misunderstood soldiers who joined the Union Army in the later days of the Civil War. Edwin P. Rutan II is a retired attorney with a lifelong passion for American history. After a legal career, Ed transitioned into historical writing, focusing on the Civil War. His work combines rigorous scholarship with a storyteller’s flair, engaging readers with compelling narratives and fresh perspectives on America’s past. His latest book, “High-Bounty Men in the Army of the Potomac: Reclaiming Their Honor”, showcases his meticulous research and deep understanding of military history.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Breakthrough Battlefield, where attendees can walk in the footsteps of soldiers from the April 2, 1865 battle. Throughout the weekend park visitors can tour military encampments near the battlefield and explore the historic Tudor Hall Plantation, which features dwellings and stories of the enslaved, a kitchen, barns, live animals and Tudor Hall.
These programs are included with park admission. Daily admission for adults is $15, seniors (65+) and Military w/ID $12.00, children (6-12) $8, and children under 6 free. This event is sponsored by Bank of Southside Virginia.
