History

Downtown Petersburg isn’t just a destination — it’s a journey through more than three centuries of American history. Every block tells a story, every building holds a memory, and every corner connects the past to the present. From its beginnings as a bustling colonial trading hub to its pivotal role in the Civil War and its legacy as a center of Black entrepreneurship and culture, Petersburg is a city shaped by resilience and reinvention. Today, its historic streets invite you to explore, experience, and fall in love with a place where history is not only preserved — it’s alive and thriving

Centuries of Change, One Vibrant City

1700s

The story of Petersburg begins along the banks of the Appomattox River in the early 1700s, when traders and settlers established a thriving commercial hub at a small post known as Peter’s Point. Its strategic location helped it grow into one of Virginia’s most important cities — a powerhouse of tobacco, textiles, and iron that connected Southern goods to global markets. During the Civil War, Petersburg became the site of one of the longest and most consequential sieges in American history, shaping the outcome of the conflict and the future of the nation.

In the decades that followed, Petersburg transformed again — becoming a beacon of Black enterprise, education, and culture, with communities like Pocahontas Island leading the way. Its historic downtown, rich with Federal-era homes, Greek Revival churches, Victorian storefronts, and early industrial landmarks, still reflects the layers of progress and perseverance that define the city today.

Main Street Petersburg continues this legacy, preserving the character of the past while fueling the energy of a thriving present — where history, culture, dining, art, and community meet.

Landmarks, Legacy, and Local Flavor

Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, exploring downtown Petersburg is like stepping into a living timeline — one where architectural gems, powerful stories, and modern-day creativity coexist. Here are some of the places that make our city unforgettable:

Petersburg Courthouse Square

The heart of the city since the 1830s, this historic district features the iconic Hustings Courthouse and surrounding civic buildings — many of which endured the Civil War siege. The area remains a hub of local life, framed by striking period architecture and tree-lined streets.

Tabb Street Presbyterian Church

Built in 1843, this architectural treasure captures the elegance of the Greek Revival era and stands as a reminder of Petersburg’s prosperity and ambition before the war.

Sycamore Street Historic Corridor

Lined with cast-iron storefronts, brick façades, and ornate Victorian buildings, Sycamore Street has been Petersburg’s commercial heart for over a century. Today, it’s home to locally owned boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and live entertainment — perfect for a stroll, a coffee, or a little shopping.

Farmer’s Bank and the Exchange Building

Once bustling with merchants and traders, these early 19th-century landmarks tell the story of Petersburg’s rise as a financial and trade center — and now offer glimpses into the city’s entrepreneurial spirit that still thrives today.

Appomattox Iron Works

A symbol of the city’s industrial power, this preserved complex dates back to the early 1800s and once supplied iron goods across the South. It stands as a testament to Petersburg’s innovation and craftsmanship.

Pocahontas Island

One of the oldest free Black communities in the United States, Pocahontas Island is a cornerstone of Petersburg’s cultural identity. The museum here shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurship, activism, and resilience that helped shape the city’s future.

Civil War Landmarks

From the historic South Side Depot to the elegant Centre Hill Mansion, downtown is surrounded by sites that reveal Petersburg’s pivotal role in shaping America’s history during its most defining conflict.

Arts and Cultural District

Petersburg’s story is still being written here. Once warehouses and factories, these historic buildings now pulse with creativity — housing galleries, murals, theaters, and local eateries that bring new life to old spaces.

Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.

Main Street Petersburg celebrates the stories that built our city while championing the vibrant future that lies ahead. As we preserve our historic architecture, support local businesses, and create welcoming spaces for art, culture, and community, we invite you to experience a downtown where the past and present come together beautifully. Whether you’re exploring our history, savoring local cuisine, shopping small, or attending one of our lively events, you’ll find that Petersburg isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to belong.