High Bridge Trail State Park – The longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the United States. High Bridge, a Virginia Historic Landmark, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in the 1850s, it was the site of several Civil War battles and skirmishes and was crossed by armies of both the North and the South shortly before General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox.
The R.R. Moton Museum tells the story of a 1951 student strike that helped ignite the Civil Rights era.
Historic Homes – A pleasant walk or drive along High and Beech streets, just north of Longwood University’s campus, offers a picturesque view of centuries-old homes – a peek into bygone eras. Click here for a map and description of these and other nearby historic homes, churches and downtown buildings.
Lee’s Retreat is a self-guided driving tour that follows the historic 100-mile trek General Robert E. Lee and his army took while being pursued by Union forces. The tour begins in Petersburg and ends in Appomattox, where the final surrender was signed. Historic markers, maps and interpretive radio broadcasts convey details of events leading to the surrender at Appomattox. Enjoy all of the tour or select certain sites of interest.
Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail©: The trail currently comprises 41 sites – including the Moton Museum –with detailed interpretation and photographs at each location. The self-guided driving tour allows you to enjoy the trail at your own pace. Because the trail is not linear or chronological, it may be started and ended at any point. Once you begin, follow the Civil Rights in Education trailblazing signs from one stop to the next.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park – On April 6, 1865, nearly a quarter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army, more than 7,700 men, were killed, wounded or captured here. Historical interpreters present various programs and living history events take place at various times throughout the year. There are three hiking trails with interpretive signs describing the battles. In addition, a free tour of the Overton-Hillsman House, which served as a hospital during and after the battle, may be arranged.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park marks the site of the original village of Appomattox Court House. Here, Generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant negotiated the terms of surrender, which led to the end of the war between the states. The majority of the buildings are original to the site and have been maintained just as they were on April 9, 1865.
Photo courtesy of Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney College – Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States and holds the oldest private charter (1783) in the South. Patrick Henry and James Madison served on the first Board of Trustees. William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. President, was a member of the Class of 1791. The College is important for its role in the history of Virginia and the United States. A significant portion of the campus is designated a National Historic Preservation Zone. The Esther Thomas Atkinson Museum on campus records the history of the College.