March 31, 2005
petersburg, virginia
We recently took a day trip to Petersburg, Virginia. It is only about 25 miles away, but it is enough of a different city so that we know we’ve left town. There are many interesting old houses and buildings in Petersburg, and some really weird sh*t, too.
These pictures are from February 2004 and March 2005. Click any to view larger.
This is home to the Petersburg Regional Art Center. This building was built in 1858.
We called this ‘Wig Street’.
There are some great and wierd junk/antique shops in Petersburg.
Yes, that is a leg. The outside view is below.
The bunny cookie jar looks like it just killed and ate something. The lady behind the counter inside said that people have been buying the old cookie jars to put their ashes in.
I’m not sure how this place meets any fire code.
This is better than anything that I did in art school.
I’m pretty sure that the Marilyn Manson thing going on here is unintentional.
Nice. I love it when people post old house photos from their road trips…
sweet photos! We have maybe 2 areas in our city with buildings that old.
What? No picture of Snoopy?
thats not a leg. its the lamp from “a christmas story”
Was it just a dreary day, or is Petersburg a really depressed area???
sue — both, really. Petersburg has definitely seen better days. It was gray out both times that we were there but we loved it, though. It is my impression that Petersburg is moving in a positive direction.
Some demographics info about Petersburg is available here and
here.
And — Snoopy!
Awesome photos - I love looking at old buildings and have a limited stock nearby so I appreciate you sharing. I cannot put into words how much I want that pink house with the mansard roof - it’s the most fantastic thing I’ve seen in a long time. *sigh*
Great blog! Part of me is jealous that we ended up purchasing a home that is already renovated after reading your stories.
I would agree Petersburg is coming back. I just purchased a home there (will close 08/31/05) that has unusual extras and the kind of space I could never afford to buy in Richmond or the counties. The gardens and history in the area are amazing. Read through this link to find a little more about my new neighborhood, “Walnut Hill”.
It will take a while but Petersburg is unequivocally on the upswing. Should be too, as it is chock full of wonderful 19th Century architecture and has a glorious, glorious history.
Represents a great opportunity for investment & living.
Loved the pictures, 60 years ago I went to the Bluebird to see movies. Lived in Petersburg in the 1940’s, Went to A P Hill school on Halifax st. Was born in the old Hospital on W. Washington St, gone now. Have picture.
I love the pictures and how strange the picture of the Dixie Restaurant you have my family just happens to own it ! Glad you enjoyed Petersburg !
Restoration in Petersburg is positively moving forward today AS IN THE PAST. After The War R. E. Lee was impressed with his visit to Petersburg he said “My visit to Petersburg was extremely pleasant. Besides the pleasure of seeing my daughter and being with you, which was very great, I was gratified in seeing many friends. In addition, when our armies were in front of Petersburg, I suffered so much in body and mind on account of the good townspeople, especially on that gloomy night when I was forced to abandon them, that I have always reverted to them in sadness and sorrow. My old feelings returned to me, as I passed well-remembered spots and recalled the ravages of the hostile shells. But when I saw the cheerfulness with which the people were working to restore their condition, and witnessed the comforts with which they were surrounded, a load of sorrow which had been pressing upon me for years was lifted from my heart.”
quote from: R. E. Lee by Douglas Southall Freeman
Hey, I’m from Richmond. Petersburg is a rundown city but I hope it gets better like Richmond is doing. Petersburg needs to clean its self up like Richmond and Hopewell and bring tourist into its old homes or turn them into condos like Richmond did. Petersburg also needs some towers but not taller then Richmond’s, just taller then now!
Petersburg is (and has been for the past three years) flourishing. The revitalization of the downtown area is coming along quickly and with great results; galleries are open all over town and buisnesses are opening up all over Old Town. People are moving to the area and fixing up the once beautiful houses to their original condition. Its nice to see some of the pictures of the parts of town that are on the “up-and-up.”
The Crater Road web site has hundreds of updated photos of Petersburg to display. It also has a detailed discription of the Civil War Siege on the city and much more. http://www.craterroad.com
How did I miss these? Absolutely awesome photos. The homes are gorgeous and it’s heartbreaking to see them in such a state of calamity. The dog sitting on the chair on the porch is especially sad. The pictures of downtown capture well the last throes of a once vibrant downtown. I hope it finds it’s way back and from reading the responses it appears to be.
A great Petersburg, Virginia website: Petersburg, People’s News
I came to Petersburg in 2002 with the Military. I did not know what to expect. I Saw a town in disrepair. Much has happened in the growth and redevelopment of Petersburg. Keep up the good work. I plan on living out my golden years here.