Petersburg, Virginia, an independent city in the southeastern part of the state. It is on the Appomattox River 22 miles (35 km) south of Richmond. Petersburg is the peanut and tobacco market for the surrounding area. Tobacco products, luggage, pens, and optical goods are among the items produced here. Historic structures in the town include Old Blandford Church (1735) and Centre Hill Mansion (1823). Petersburg was the site of battles in the Revolutionary and Civil wars. Petersburg National Battlefield, commemorating the siege of the city during the Civil War, adjoins the city.
Fort Henry was built here in 1646. A trading post (called Peter's Point) was established, and a small settlement grew up around the fort. It became the town of Petersburg in 1784 and was incorporated as a city in 1850.
Population: 33,740.
