Revolutionary War comes to Petersburg

111 Rochelle Lane,Petersburg VA 23803

13 May, 2023

Description

During this program you will learn about the Battle of Petersburg from historian Mike Cecere, you will be able to meet and talk with Benedict Arnold, hear from the British Army Liaison Officer to Fort Lee, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Reith, and witness a wreath laying by a British Honor Guard. In April of 1781, the British Army, under the command of Major General William Phillips, along with Brigadier Benedict Arnold, arrived at City Point (Hopewell) and marched on the City of Petersburg. The Virginia militia outnumbered 2,500 to 1,000, met Gen. Phillips and his army just east of Blandford. The Virginia militia led by Major General Von Steuben put up a strong resistance, however, after three hours of fighting, Von Steuben ordered a retreat across the Pocahontas bridge, onto the Heights(now Colonial Heights). He hoped to regroup and meet up with Major General Marquis de Lafayette near Richmond. During this time, Major General Phillips dies of a medical condition, at a home called Bollingbrook (now the YMCA). Benedict Arnold ordered him to be buried in the Blandford Church yard, under the cover of darkness and without a headstone or marker. This is a free event and will take place inside Blandford Church and outside in the cemetery, rain or shine. If you are in need of assistance getting into the church please come 20 minutes early.