Come hear historian William Welsch shine a light on the April 1781 British Army’s invasion of Petersburg, led by Major General William Phillips and Brig. General Benedict Arnold. Substantially outnumbered, the VA Militia met Gen. Phillips’ soldiers just east of Blandford. While he was here, Gen. Phillips became ill and died in a home called Bollingbrook, which was located where the YMCA is today. He was buried in the Blandford Churchyard in the dark of night, and no headstone was placed there. Be sure to visit what is believed to be his burial site after the talk.
Come and learn about a battle we do not often hear about, and then on Saturday and Sunday, visit Battersea and attend the colorful Reenactment of The Battle of Petersburg. Both events are free and are part of Virginia’s Commemoration of America’s upcoming 250th. Free lecture tickets may be obtained via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/revolutionary-war-the-battle-of-petersburg-tickets-858222164597?fbclid=IwAR2sylcrjp9GrwxUc_Zq-n95MoaKdZflbiiwMD1pkAjB38RtbWPbF-1e9RM_aem_ATjsUOoayE55Op3ELARM3ivMjNze2GBj2GBtb11ZyAXX4434Bd_XYwR0qr4WJn1HRQNaHq9AGLvylizlOXSEksaA
