We made the drive from Atlanta to Petersburg and stopped at the Petersburg National Battlefield. This was the last major battle of the Civil War. It was actually a nine month siege. During that time Grant was able to cut off virtually all supplies to Petersburg and Richmond. General Lee retreated on April 2. The surrender happened on April 9 at Appomattox Courthouse.

This is a 13 inch mortar. One was employed at Petersburg and they called it the Dictator. This is not the Dictator. Anyway, it must have made one hell of a bang when it was fired. I would love to see one of these fired.