The Battlefield Center is the gateway to the historic "Breakthrough Battlefield." The building's unique facade is evocative of the zig-zagging Confederate earthworks located a short distance away. Inside, the Battlefield Center houses a fiber-optic battle map, exhibits, theater, interactive computer learning centers, and the Discovery Tent.

Breakthrough Theater:
The 45-seat Breakthrough Theater showcases a multi-media presentation on The Breakthrough Battle of April 2nd, 1865. Perfectly suited for the seasoned Civil War buff as well as those with a broad general interest, the presentation features a battle map in motion, photos of some of the participants and of the landscape past and present. Hear the words of those who fought in the battle and come to appreciate and understand this critical battle that opened the door to Richmond for Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his armies.

Exhibits:
The Battlefield Center houses a splendid collection of artifacts related to The Breakthrough Battle that took place on this ground. Uniforms, regimental and corps flags, personal items, and photographs accompany relics that were unearthed from the battlefield. A fiber-optic map tells of the campaigning of the armies.

“Medal of Honor”:
Commissioned by Pamplin Historical Park, “Medal of Honor” was painted by Don Troiani, America’s foremost Civil War artist. The painting showcases the heroic effort of Capt. Charles Gould, 5th Vermont Infantry, as he crested the Confederate earthworks the morning of April 2, 1865. During this “Battle of the Breakthrough,” Captain Gould was the first man over Lee’s defensive perimeter around Petersburg. Captain Gould was twice bayoneted and slashed with a sabre. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his feat, the painting is now a permanent part of the Battlefield Center exhibit.


Guided Tours:
The Battlefield Center is the starting point for The Breakthrough Battlefield tour. Led by a Park historian, the daily tour provides a vivid description of the battle that took place in the early morning hours of April 2, 1865 on the ground that is now Pamplin Historical Park. The tour passes some of America’s best-preserved earthen fortifications. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and covers less than a half-mile of easy walking.