In the event anyone is interested in coming out for this program and does not 
take a Richmond-Petersburg area newspaper. If one has specific questions 
feel free to e-mail me OFF list at [log in to unmask]

Release Date:	For Immediate Release	

Contact(s):	Emmanuel Dabney 
(804) 732-3531 ext. 200		

Date:	June 29, 2007	


The Life and Work of Petersburg’s Enslaved Walking Tour

On July 7, at 1:00 p.m., a walking tour will begin at the 1839 Petersburg 
Courthouse on Sycamore Street in Petersburg. The program begins at the 
historic Petersburg Courthouse where participants will learn about the most 
significant Underground Railroad trial to take place in Petersburg. Following the 
presentation at the Courthouse, the .25 mile walking tour will include visits to 
the site where slaves were hired, and the home of Hugh Garland, owner of 
Elizabeth Keckly, seamstress to Mrs. Varina Davis and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln. 

In 1860, Petersburg was Virginia’s second largest city with more than 18,000 
residents. Of the total population, 5,680 were enslaved people and 3,244 were 
free men and women. The lives of these people were always under the control 
of the state and local government and yet they managed to create their own 
lifestyles. By the tour’s end there will be a greater understanding of the living 
arrangements and work of those who were enslaved but not living on farms 
and plantations.

This event is the result of a partnership effort between the City of Petersburg 
and Petersburg National Battlefield. Seven more programs are scheduled for 
this year and the “Homefront Event Calendar” is available at any of the 
Petersburg Museums or Petersburg National Battlefield Visitor Centers.

There is no fee for this program and no reservations are necessary. For more 
information, please call Park Ranger Emmanuel Dabney, at (804) 732-3531 ext. 
200.


Petersburg National Battlefield was created in order to commemorate the 
campaign and siege and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865. 
The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the historical, 
cultural, and natural resources within the park in a manner that will provide 
interpretation, education, and enjoyment for the visitors.

Sincerely,
Emmanuel Dabney