Welcome to the "Beta" site of Encyclopedia Virginia, an online resource being published by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities that explores the commerce, history, culture, arts, and sciences of the Commonwealth. "Beta" means that we are adding more content and that the interface, design, search, and other technical functionalities (while largely in place) are still being refined. In the meantime, please explore the site and give us your feedback!
close
Church steeples, houses—and even a stray horse on the left side of the photo—can be seen in this view of Civil War–era Petersburg taken from across the Appomattox River. On the eve of the war Petersburg was the second largest city in Virginia and home to more than 18,000 residents. Blessed with ample water power and railroad connections, the city boasted numerous cotton, iron, and flour mills as well as tobacco factories.
Created: ca. 1865
Medium: photograph
Courtesy of National Archives
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities | 145 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903-4629
Phone 434.924.3296 | Fax 434.296.4714
