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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.
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