Old Towne Petersburg is a living tapestry of American history, woven from cobblestone streets, red-brick facades, and centuries-old stories that echo along the banks of the Appomattox River. As a longtime resident, I’ve watched Old Towne embrace each season of change while staying true to its roots, and I’m honored to share what makes this neighborhood so cherished for locals and visitors alike.
The Origins of Old Towne
Long before the bustling sidewalks and vibrant storefronts, the land that is now Old Towne was home to an important trading post for both Native Americans and European settlers. The neighborhood’s origins date back to 1748, when Petersburg was officially established by Colonel William Byrd II. Its prime location—where the Appomattox River narrows—quickly made it a hive for commerce and community as the city grew.
Old Towne’s name is as straightforward as its history is rich. “Old Towne” refers to the original commercial and civic heart of Petersburg, set apart from later neighborhoods as the city expanded. This distinctive title honors its place as the earliest developed section, centering around what we now call the Old Towne Historic District.
Across the Centuries: Historical Milestones
Old Towne has seen the rise and fall of empires, survived war, and witnessed brilliant rebirths.
- Revolutionary War Era: Petersburg served as a major supply center for the Continental Army, and Old Towne’s riverside wharves bustled with activity. Several sites, including Bollingbrook Street, played critical roles as trade arteries.
- Civil War and the Siege of Petersburg: The longest siege in American warfare (1864-1865) left an indelible mark. Old Towne’s homes, churches, and private spaces were transformed into makeshift hospitals, while significant battles raged just beyond the neighborhood’s borders.
- Post-War Resurgence: In the late 1800s, Old Towne flourished as a manufacturing and transport hub, with magnificent warehouses and storefronts lining Sycamore, Bank, and Cockade Alley. The era’s brickwork and wrought iron still stand today.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
A stroll through Old Towne is, in many ways, a walk through living history. Its landmarks tell stories as vividly as any book.
- Centre Hill Mansion (1 Centre Hill Avenue): Perched atop a gentle rise, this Greek Revival mansion served as a hospital during the Civil War and hosted presidential visits. Today, it welcomes guests as a museum, with period furnishings and haunting tales.
- Historic Farmers Bank (19 Bollingbrook Street): This stately 1817 building once safeguarded the city’s capital—literally in its thick-walled vaults. It’s one of America’s oldest surviving bank buildings.
- Elegant Warehouses on Old Street: Many date to the early-19th century and once stored tobacco, cotton, and flour destined for ships and rail. They now house art galleries, lofts, and locally owned restaurants, blending historic charm with modern vibrance.
- Trapezium House (244 North Market Street): Peculiar and beloved, this triangular house (without a single right angle!) is a testament to local lore and the quirks of early American architecture.
- The Appomattox River Trail and Harbor: The riverfront parkway invites both locals and visitors to enjoy the peaceful waters that shaped the neighborhood’s prosperity.
Streets and Institutions with Stories
The heart of Old Towne beats strong along Sycamore and Bank Streets, where preserved facades shelter some of Petersburg’s oldest businesses and churches. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church offers a window into colonial faith, while the Exchange Building at 15 W. Bank Street once operated as a commodities trading post—its striking domed roof still a local landmark.
On North Market Street, you’ll find Petersburg Public Library, whose presence continues a tradition of learning and culture within the historic core.
From Decline to Renaissance
Old Towne has endured fortunes won and lost, especially during the tumultuous 20th century. Like many Southern downtowns, economic decline in the mid-1900s dimmed its former brilliance. Yet resilience is woven into the fabric of Old Towne’s identity. Restoration efforts beginning in the 1980s inspired new art, culinary, and creative ventures.
Today, Old Towne bursts with life during monthly First Fridays art walks, festivals in historic Market Square, and family gatherings beside the river. Local businesses—like the beloved Buttermilk Bake Shop and Appalachian Smokehouse—fill century-old storefronts with delicious scents and the laughter of neighbors. Artists, entrepreneurs, and longtime residents have rallied to preserve the district’s sense of place while inviting in new energy.
What Makes Old Towne Special
For me and for so many others, Old Towne is more than a collection of antique bricks and stories. It’s a welcoming home where the past and present mingle:
- The gentle chime of church bells and the distant whistle of trains
- The lively echoes of Saturday farmers markets in Old Towne Square
- Children’s laughter as they run through Pocket Park on Bank Street
- Friendly greetings from neighbors who remember your name
Every brick-paved crosswalk and gas lamp-lit evening speaks to a community that continues to evolve while honoring its storied past. If you take the time to wander the neighborhood—perhaps along the bridge spanning the Appomattox or under the branches of Sycamore’s shade—you feel the continuity of centuries, and the hope that Old Towne Petersburg will always be a place where history is lived, cherished, and shared.
Come visit, and become part of Old Towne’s next chapter.