sailor's creek battlefield historical state park

This was a high point on our drive of following Lee's retreat from Richland to Appomattox Court House. The state has constructed a very pleasant visitor’s center that provides an overview of the history of the area and of the battle that took place here in 1865. There are Park Rangers there that are extremely helpful. I was greeted and provided with a personal account of what happened on that fateful day. It was really great having an expert available to answer questions and provide directions around the park. Originally, we had only planned to spend five nights in Virginia, but because of the attention that this state pays to preserving history and maintaining their tourist industry, those five days turned into twelve days. Parks like this will keep people coming to Virginia for vacations.

Very enjoyable time. The park is not large and is totally not commercialized like some other Historic sites. The Park Rangers were very friendly and well informed. The visitors center is well appointed and contains many artifacts and materials related to the Confederate Army's retreat from Richmond and Petersburg. This site ties in the final battle and the events leading up to the surrender at Appomattox. It is a must see before touring Appomattox.

I agree with other reviewers that Sailor's Creek Battlefield is an important and educational stop on the Lee's Retreat tour. I did not realize the significance of this battle. The loss of 7700 Confederate troops was a major factor leading to the surrender at Appomattox Court House three days later. The Visitors Center timeline with maps and narrative is very detailed and informative. Displays of relevant artifacts help tell the story. For a small state park I was very impressed by the entire visitor center experience. There are two short trails for hiking and a driving tour. You can also tour the Hillsman House which is set up like a CW hospital. Note that on Sunday the Visitors Center opens at noon. I would definitely recommend a visit especially for CW buffs like me.

Interesting visitor's center with nice maps on the wall and artifacts. I saw a library/research room although we did not go in or inquire about it. Friendly staff. There are a couple of trails with placards along the way, one of which is currently closed for renovation. You can go inside the Hillsman House for a short guided tour which served as a hospital. The countryside surrounding the Hillsman House is beautiful. There are vault toilets on site at the Hillsman House. The visitor center has flush toilets. There are picnic tables at both places. Whether you are into Civil War history or not it would be an enjoyable stop. Time spent here will greatly depend on how interested you are in the history and whether or not you want to walk one or both of the trails.

My wife and I spent a very enjoyable and interesting day at Sailor's Creek Battlefield. We are Civil War buffs and have visited before, but we learn something new each time. This time was no different. The Visitor Center is very modern and informative. There are great displays of original artifacts and very informative descriptions and maps of the battle (really three battles) and its place in Lee's retreat to Appomattox. In many ways, the story of this battle is very tragic and, as a result, very compelling. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and there is a nice little gift shop with a good selection of relevant books. The battlefield is fascinating - there's no better way to learn about a battle than to see and walk the ground. There are lots of very good interpretive signs and an excellent trail that takes you down to the area on Sailor's Creek where Federal troops crossed to attack Ewell's corps. Apparently, another trail is planned for elsewhere on the battlefield, which is great news. The day we were there, the Hillsman House, which was used as field hospital, was closed. That was a bit disappointing, but we've been there before and it's very interesting. It's fully restored and still has blood stains on the floor. It's certainly a must see. Overall, Sailor's Creek Battlefield is well worth a visit by both history buffs and casual visitors alike.

Chris Calkins lives in an antebellum mansion in Petersburg. A longtime park service ranger, he once worked at Five Forks on the Petersburg battlefield. Now he works at Sailor's Creek, the site of the last major battle of the Civil War, on the road of Lee's Retreat, only 72 hours from the surrender at Appomattox, and he has helped to re-invent the site and turn it into a tourist's delight, a must stop along the road that ends at the McLean House. There are two ways to reach the Sailor's Creek battlefield, the road taken by Lee from Petersburg or Route 360 to 307 from Richmond. Start by talking to Calkins at the newly completed visitor's center, which features several interesting artifacts pertaining to the battle. Then drive to the Overton-Hillsman Farm House Museum where living historians will reflect on the house's role as a Union Army field hospital during and after the battle. Bloodstains remain on the floor. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Other interesting stops on the battlefield are Holt's Corner, where the Confederate Army split with the infantry marching toward the Overton-Hillsman house and the supply wagons taking a right turn and going toward the Lockett farmhouse. Also, visit Marshall's crossroads, a mile beyond Little Sailor's Creek, where Union cavalry blocked Confederate troops who were trying to close a gap in the Confederate line. Twenty guns emplaced around the Hillsman farm turn the tide, forcing six Rebel generals and 7,700 soldiers to surrender. The landscape remains pristine and visitors, standing on the rocks near the Hillsman house where the Union cannons were placed, can visualize what it must have been like on that fateful day. The park service has done a wonderful job of upgrading the battlefield to make it a very interesting tourist attraction.

My time here was limited. I found the museum informative and their personnel extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The museum has restrooms and out in this location is a necessity. LOL.You will enjoy this place especially if you have an avid interest in the civil war.

As with all the other Civil War sites I have visited, I found this the same. It is continual repetition and although interesting, only merits one visit.

Made a stop here this week also, great place for Civil war Buffs. My friend is a big history buff so it was a must stop for her. Also go to the museum of the Confederacy in Richmond.

Most people are familar with the significance of Appomatox in ending the Civil War in 1865. THIS Virginia State Park offers an excellant point of reference for showing how the CSA's defeat in this battle insured the complete victory for the Union forces three days later.There were actually four interwoven battles here, with this park being the locus of the southern part of the battlefields. The total defeat of the CSA forces here removed 1/3 of Lee's retreating army, and resulted in eliminating most of the army's remaining supplies and ammunition. The rangers are knowledgable, informed, and most enthusiastic about describing the aspects of the battle and the significance. The map displays give an overlapping progression, rather than putting all the information on one map, and expecting someone to take in the dynamics of the military movements from only one view.There is a particularly interesting display, with a holographic type display, as two soldiers - a new Union officer, and a hard bitten Confederate veteran, both wounded - describe their part in the battle, and their unit's activities, as they came to be at the site of a house used as a hospital for the wounded of both sides of the battle. One expects to live, and looks forward to his future - and the other is worried his wounds may prove fatal, and he just wants to get home.You'll just have to go and check out the exhibit to see the soldier's fate..The battlefield park IS a little off the beaten path. However, the path is well marked, the facilites are first rate and well kept. There are NO "Come and get your Civil War souvenirs" stores nearby - this is a serious place, and well worth a stop to check out the location of one of the major battles that took place during Lee's Retreat in April 1865. Arm yourself with oneof the "Lee's Retreat" brochures - found at any Virginia Tourist Office, and most of the towntourist offices in this area, and the path is very easily found.

The ranger at the visitor center explained how the battle occurred and progressed. Using paintings, maps and the window at the visitors center, he showed us where the important battles and surrender took place and pointed out important military figures in the paintings. He was very helpful The end of the war was inevitable. This battle just helped determine when and where the surrender would happen in nearby Appomattox. There are hiking trails but it was much too hot to attempt anything but the short walk to the Monument. Beware of snakes.

There isn't a lot to see there. It isn't a big battlefield.