Author to discuss Civil War book

Published 2:06 pm Tuesday, December 15, 2015

On Dec. 26, author John Horn will be at the Eastern Front Unit Visitor Center at Petersburg National Battlefield to discuss his new book, “The Siege of Petersburg: The Battles for the Weldon Railroad, August 1864.”  The lecture will begin at 10 a.m.  Following the presentation the author will be available to answer questions and sign copies of his book.

The Weldon Railroad was an important supply line to the City of Petersburg during the Civil War. It approached Petersburg from the south bringing goods needed to supply Confederate troops and civilians from the international seaport in Wilmington, N.C. In August 1864 during the Siege of Petersburg, General Ulysses S. Grant ordered Union troops to attack and destroy the Weldon Railroad.

The Eastern Front Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield is located at 5001 Siege Road in Petersburg.

Email newsletter signup

Visitors can learn more about the history of the site by touring the museum, viewing the 18 minute video or traveling the unit’s four mile, seven-stop tour road. There are nature trails suitable for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. For more information, call (804) 732-3531.