Petersburg, Virginia was settled long ago at a key spot on the fall line of the Appomattox River, where shipping upriver met land travel. Chartered in 1748, it developed as a trade and manufacturing center, with tobacco, mills, railroads and canals playing major parts. The city saw dramatic events during the Civil War, especially in the lengthy Siege of Petersburg where trenches, supply lines, and strategic rail junctions were central. After that, the city rebuilt many of its structures, preserved historic neighborhoods, and adjusted to shifting economic tides. According to recent estimates, around 33,000 people make their home here. 

The reputation of the area comes from its historic architecture, public markets, and its being a transportation hub where several major highways and rail lines meet. The octagonal City Market building, for instance, was built in the 1850s, and stands today in the Old Town Historic District; its design—brick, lofty interior rafters, metal canopy—is often noted by visitors and architecture lovers alike. Another lesser-known fact is that the city once had among the earliest free Black settlements in the state on Pocahontas Island, and that some sections of the city have been central to civil rights movements historically. Folklore also lingers: Blandford Cemetery is said to be haunted by spirits of soldiers who died in the Siege, and older accounts talk of phantom footsteps and unexplained sounds in restored historic homes. 

Food and dining in the city bring together tradition and innovation. Maria’s at Old Town 21 offers Italian dishes—lasagna, pasta, pizza—served in a setting many say balances comfort with elevated touches. For barbecue, Saucy’s Barbecue is popular for its smoked meats and sauces, drawing crowds who want hearty, slow-cooked flavor. Demolition Coffee appeals to people who like quality coffee in well-designed space, and Market Street Coffee serves up lighter fare and pastries in a friendly café atmosphere; those coffee shops are often where locals meet during breakfast or for casual work meetups. 

Places to visit include exploring Petersburg National Battlefield Park, which preserves trenches, fortifications, and historical grounds from the Civil War, providing walking tours and interpretive programs. Museums and preserved estates like Battersea, a Palladian‐style house dating from 1767-68 on the city’s western edge, offer architectural beauty and history. The city holds arts events like the monthly “Friday of the Arts” in Old Town, musical performances, and seasonal markets. During fall, events such as pumpkin displays and local craft fairs draw people out to streets and parks when the weather turns cooler. 

Businesses play a large role in daily life. Thacker Ace Hardware is a well-known local hardware store offering tools, paint, garden and lawn supplies, home improvement materials, and an array of specialty items; people come here for expert advice, dependable inventory, and things hard to find elsewhere. Agri Supply draws customers interested in farming, outdoor work, and equipment; with a wide selection of supplies, farm tools, and animal feed, it serves those maintaining rural and suburban properties around the area. In a community where people often balance upkeep of older homes with the demands of modern living, these businesses provide the practical resources that keep properties functioning. That connection between maintaining buildings and managing the natural environment leads to another part of life here—dealing with the wildlife that can find its way inside.

At Two Guys Wildlife we see how older buildings, riverfront areas, attics, crawlspaces, and sometimes vacant lots attract wildlife seeking shelter. We offer inspections, humane removal, sealing of entry points, and ongoing prevention and maintenance plans tailored to this landscape. If you’ve spotted droppings, odd noises, or signs of animal entry in Petersburg, contact us today. We’ll assess the issue, explain what we find, and implement solutions that protect your property.