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
Stacked Union rifles line a street in Petersburg after the city capitulated on April 3, 1865. Union soldiers took over local policing and governance, though many Petersburg officials were retained in their positions in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the city. Soldiers distributed food and provisions to needy residents, both white and black. Significantly, the Union forces also prevented outbreaks of violence between local whites and blacks.
Original Author: unknown
Created: April 3, 1865
Medium: one negative (two plates): glass, stereograph, wet collodion
Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division [cwpb 02647]
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities | 145 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903-4629
Phone 434.924.3296 | Fax 434.296.4714
