Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
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Location
Rice, Virginia
Park size
379 acres
Main focus
Battlefield history and interpretation
Grounds
Open sunrise to sunset; confirm current details before visiting
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park preserves part of the battlefield where Union forces struck the retreating Army of Northern Virginia on April 6, 1865. The fighting unfolded across several sites, including Hillsman’s Farm, Marshall’s Crossroads and Lockett’s Farm; the battle ended with thousands of Confederate soldiers captured, just days before the surrender at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.[1]
This is a place to take in the history at a walking pace: begin with the museum exhibits, then follow battlefield interpretation outdoors and, when available, arrange a visit to the Hillsman House. The park is at 6541 Saylers Creek Road in Rice. Grounds are listed as open from sunrise to sunset, while visitor-center hours and house-tour availability can vary; check with Virginia State Parks before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park
Why visit Sailor's Creek?
Sailor’s Creek helps put the final days of the Appomattox Campaign into context. The battlefield’s wooded and open terrain, historic house and interpretive stops connect the military story to the ground where the fighting took place. The site is also part of a wider sequence of Civil War places leading west toward Appomattox, Virginia.[3]
It’s a rewarding stop for visitors interested in Virginia’s Civil War history, especially if you’re willing to combine indoor exhibits with time outdoors. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation lists hiking and self-guided interpretive trails among the park’s amenities.[4]
Start here
Begin at the visitor center to orient yourself with the battle’s timeline and exhibits, then use the park’s interpretive materials to understand how the separate engagements fit together. The center’s displays cover the closing days of the campaign and include artifacts and interactive presentations, according to the park’s visitor information.[5]
Before you go, check the official park page for current visitor-center hours, any closures and whether Hillsman House tours can be arranged. DCR says the house was used as a field hospital by both armies and that tours are available upon request.[6]
What to see and do
Visitor center and museum
Start with exhibits that trace the campaign’s final days and introduce the battle before you walk the landscape. Confirm current opening hours with the park.
Hillsman House
See the historic farmhouse associated with the battle and its use as a field hospital. Tours are available upon request; contact the park to ask about arrangements.
Marshall's Crossroads
Use the interpretive stops to explore one of the battle’s principal action areas. DCR identifies a short Pickett Trail here, with signs describing the final fighting.
Battlefield trails
Walk the park’s interpretive routes to connect the terrain with the events of April 6, 1865. Check the current trail guide and conditions before visiting.
Lee's Retreat driving route
Follow the marked route to learn more about the Appomattox Campaign and the Confederate army’s westward retreat. Interpretive signs along the route explain the campaign.
History and significance
On April 6, 1865, Union forces attacked the rear of Robert E. Lee’s retreating army at Sailor’s Creek. The battlefield’s principal actions took place at Hillsman’s Farm, Marshall’s Crossroads and Lockett’s Farm. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources reports that about 7,700 Confederate soldiers and eight generals were captured; the Union victory contributed to the collapse of Lee’s army three days later.[7]
The preserved battlefield is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Its historical landscape includes sites associated with the main engagements, with the Hillsman House and Lockett House identified by the state as interpretive locations within the park.[8]
Planning a visit
- Address: 6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, VA 23966.
- Getting there: DCR directs visitors from U.S. 460 to Route 617 (Saylers Creek Road), or from U.S. 360 via State Route 307 to Route 617 North.[9]
- Hours and access: The grounds are listed as open sunrise to sunset. Visitor-center hours may differ, and the official page notes that schedules can be affected by staff commitments. Check current information before traveling.
- Tours: Hillsman House tours are available upon request. Contact the park in advance to ask about availability.
- What’s on site: The park lists hiking and interpretive trails, a visitor center, restrooms, picnic tables and grills. DCR lists no restaurant or picnic shelters at the park, so plan accordingly.[10]
Nearby attractions
High Bridge Trail State Park
A nearby state park connected to the Appomattox River valley’s Civil War history.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Visit the village where Lee surrendered to Grant three days after the Battle of Sailor’s Creek.
Farmville, Virginia
A central Virginia town to consider as a base for exploring the area.
Appomattox, Virginia
Explore the community associated with the final days of the Appomattox Campaign.
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Sailor’s Creek Battlefield (Sayler’s Creek Battlefield), Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Traversing History at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge State Parks, National Park Service, National Park Service. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Find a Virginia State Park by amenities, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor’s Creek Battlefield (Sayler’s Creek Battlefield), Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor’s Creek Battlefield (Sayler’s Creek Battlefield), Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.
- ↑ Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-22.