The Crater Visit

[rgtaylor61]

I'll be In Norfolk for work and free tomorrow. Thinking about driving up to see The Crater. Is it well preserved? Worth the trip?

 

[A. Roy]

I'll be In Norfolk for work and free tomorrow. Thinking about driving up to see The Crater. Is it well preserved? Worth the trip?

I'm sure others have been there more recently, but when I was there about 30 years ago, it was quite discernible. Not the great open wound it would have been during the war, but still impressive.
ARB

 

[CavRTO]

I'm sure others have been there more recently, but when I was there about 30 years ago, it was quite discernible. Not the great open wound it would have been during the war, but still impressive.
ARB

We were there more recently than 30 years ago but you're right. It's discernible. A walk around that immediate area would be a good thing to do too.

 

[jackt62]

I'll be In Norfolk for work and free tomorrow. Thinking about driving up to see The Crater. Is it well preserved? Worth the trip?

Definitely worth the trip. I visited about 8 years ago; the ground depression may not be as dramatic as it was, but is still quite visible although all grass covered.

 

[7thWisconsin]

It´s a well-curated part of the Petersburg Battlefield driving tour. The last act and climax of the tour unless you take the long route and drive out to Five Forks. There´s a great walking trail that takes you to the tunnel entrance, then back along the tunnel route to the Crater itself. There was an ¨automated tour guide¨ at the site, but it is frequently out of order. Good signage, though. Highpoint of a visit.

 

[LibertyAndUnion]

Fort Stedman's tour spot has much historical significance. It was the site of the old Hare House, a key part in the early battle for Petersburg. Then it was the location of the last offensive of the Army of Northern Virginia, March 25, 1865. It's on the tour road, about a mile northeast of the Crater, also an excellent site.

 

[CowCavalry]

I cannot resist; it has been reported here of late, that a crater has opened near The Crater............

Petersburg Eastern Front Closed | Traveler's Companion - Visit Historic Sites

If planning on a trip to Petersburg call ahead to check status. There is a large sinkhole on the Eastern Front tour road that has the tour road closed to cars. You are allowed to walk it or ride a bike. Tour stops 1 & 8 are available. Tour stop 8 (The Crater) you must park at a 7-11 on Crater...

civilwartalk.com

 

[rgtaylor61]

So I made it out to The Crater and what a visit. I also visited the Thomas Wallace House where President Lincoln instructed Grant on how he wanted the imminent surrender handled. Terrific Day!

 

[A. Roy]

Looks like a great visit!
ARB

 

[CavRTO]

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So I made it out to The Crater and what a visit. I also visited the Thomas Wallace House where President Lincoln instructed Grant on how he wanted the imminent surrender handled. Terrific Day!

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Thank you. Great pics.

 

[Tony Z]

Excellent photos! I was going to reply that we were there a decade or so ago, but in thinking through, it was around 25 years! But from the pics posted, things look pretty much as I remember.

 

[rgtaylor61]

I cannot resist; it has been reported here of late, that a crater has opened near The Crater............

Petersburg Eastern Front Closed | Traveler's Companion - Visit Historic Sites

If planning on a trip to Petersburg call ahead to check status. There is a large sinkhole on the Eastern Front tour road that has the tour road closed to cars. You are allowed to walk it or ride a bike. Tour stops 1 & 8 are available. Tour stop 8 (The Crater) you must park at a 7-11 on Crater...

civilwartalk.com

Thank you for this info. I did in fact park at the 7-11 and then walked to the site. Was a nice (hot and humid) walk but we'll worth it.

 

[bdtex]

So I made it out to The Crater and what a visit. I also visited the Thomas Wallace House where President Lincoln instructed Grant on how he wanted the imminent surrender handled. Terrific Day!

Outstanding. Petersburg was the first Eastern Theater battlefield I visited and that was in January 2016.

 

[rgtaylor61]

One thing that really stood out when visiting was how the topography allowed for the tunnel to be worked on without discovery. I've always thought "how didn't they see them" but after being there it made sense. Although there were markers on site stating the suspicion of the confederate forces that a tunnel might be in the works and on the grounds there were sunken patches where confederate counter tunnels were also being dug and they collapsed when the mine shaft was blown.

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

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So I made it out to The Crater and what a visit. I also visited the Thomas Wallace House where President Lincoln instructed Grant on how he wanted the imminent surrender handled. Terrific Day!

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Great pictures. I would not do add up an opportunity to visit the Crater.

 

[bankerpapaw]

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So I made it out to The Crater and what a visit. I also visited the Thomas Wallace House where President Lincoln instructed Grant on how he wanted the imminent surrender handled. Terrific Day!

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Nice photos. Thanks!!!