Located near Petersburg, Virginia, Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, has won numerous national awards since the park first opened in 1994, followed by the museum in 1999.
Situated on a total of 422 acres, the park and museum feature exhibits, thousands of original artifacts, the restored Tudor Hall Plantation, one of the most well-preserved Civil War Battlefields and much more.
On April 2, 1865, a decisive battle took place on what has since been known as the Breakthough Battlefield. In many ways untouched since that day, visitors can get a rare look at original Civil War fortifications and dams. When walking on one of the three available trails, the land looks just as it would have looked to the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought there.
The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is located within a 25,000 square foot building. Its primary exhibit is called "Duty Called Me Here''. The exhibit includes seven galleries and a tour is led by a costumed interpreter. "Duty Called Me Here'' includes life-sized dioramas, battlefield simulations, and more than 1,000 original Civil War artifacts.
Pamplin Historical Park features several other attractions as well. Below is a sampling.
The Field Quarter
Slave's quarters were generally kept in a separate area away from the main plantation house. This exhibit consists of reconstructed dwellings that are typical of what a slave would have lived in during this time. There is an also a museum that presents a look at slavery just before the start of the Civil War.
Hart Farm
Fighting took place on this farm during the Petersburg Campaign. The original house, built just before the start of the war, still stands on the property. This is the location that is used for the Civil War Adventure Camp which allows groups or families to actually live the life of a Civil War Soldier. There are day experiences that last about five hours and overnight experiences that include period appropriate food and overnight accommodations. There are also other adventure experiences that are geared specifically towards children.
Tudor Hall Plantation
Built in 1812, this plantation has been reconstructed and filled with Civil War era furnishings and artifacts. There is also a working kitchen, slave quarters and a kitchen garden.
There are many other attractions as well and several special events and educational programs are held here throughout the year. As visitors explore Pamplin Parks many areas and exhibits, costumed interpreters are available throughout to answer questions and provide demonstrations about various aspects of life during the Civil War.
Dining is available on the property and The Civil War Store offers a large selection of Civil War related items.
Some visitors found it to be a bit expensive (prices vary depending on which attractions visitors include in their visit) while others said it was well worth every dime. Many visitors who call themselves Civil War buffs say that Pamplin Historical Park is a must see.
Because the programs often change and some attractions, such as the Civil War Adventure Camp, require reservations, those planning to visit should call ahead for updated information and program information.
