As the fires burned in Richmond, Confederate forces left their trenches in both Richmond and Petersburg and headed west, intending to eventually turn south toward North Carolina and meet with Johnston's Army of the Tennessee. The forces would meet at Amelia Court House, where rations would be waiting. They did not come. But Grant's army did. Trying to keep ahead of the pursuing Union army, Robert E. Lee made a steady line west, eventually reaching the dual creeks known as Sailor's. Basically, Grant's men, were there to meet them and three separate actions occurred.

The action would begin at two crossroads at opposite ends of what is now a fine State Battlefield Park, placed into being by National Park Service veteran Chris Calkins. It's still emerging, with trails and vistas in the middle of getting the land back to what it looked like in 1864. Those initial actions, at Holt's Corner to the north, and Marshall's Cross Roads to the south, soon will become a more rapid engagement in its center. Surrounding the Hillsman House, at 5:15, the general engagement begins. By its end, eight Confederate generals have been captured along with thousands of men. But the action at the Lockett Farm, on land that is preserved, but not part of the park, tells the tale even further. Bogged down by trying to cross a double bridge over at the confluence of the two creeks, the Confederates lose 1,700 more men to capture and 300 wagons. In all, the Battle of Sailor's Creek cost General Lee 7,700 men, one quarter of his remaining army..

If you make it to Sailor's Creek, you're going to find a new and very well interpreted visitor center and musuem. You can also tour the Hillsman House, on certain days, plus get a talk and tour of the structure around which much of the fighting occurred. But one suggestion that's not always noted, please continue past the Hillsman House to Holt's corner. You can listen to a Lee's Retreat recording there, then turn left for about a mile or two, to Lockett's Road. Turn left there again and soon you'll be at a wayside to Lee's Retreat and the story of the action here. Across the road, there's a stone plaque telling of the history of the home and action (it's still standing and occupied, so please don't go in their yard), but it is preserved. Continue further down that road into the hollow of Big and Little Sailor's Creek. This is where the Confederate Army got bogged down.

Sailor's Creek Battlefield Park

What's There

Visitor Center with a fine collection of exhibits. You can get a brochure of the park, too, that tells you about the various sites to visit. There are facilities and picnic tables outside.

Park Size: 341 acres.

The Walking Trails (Custis Lee and Confederate Overlook) - On both sides of the park road to the north, walking trails take you into the action. These are relatively new. Although first part of the park system in 1936, there has been a whole new rebirth to the Sailor's Creek Battlefield site since 2008 and much of it is still ongoing. Signs and markers telling you about the trail are better completed on the west side, as least in April 2015, but both will likely soon be done. These trails are very hilly and both just under one mile.

The Hillsman House - The house served as a field hospital after the battle which raged around it. Inside there are exhibits about the hospital and tours about its function in the battle are given. Ask at the Visitor Center about when. There is also a picnic grove at this location, plus a Lee's Retreat wayside.

How Much to Visit

Sailor's Creek Battlefield - Free.
High Bridge State Park - $3 parking fee

Hours Open

Where is It Located

Attendance