Reconstruction of a soldier’s hut at Petersburg

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Stop 3 on the Petersburg National Battlefield Eastern Front Auto Tour
The reconstruction of a typical soldier’s hut in the Federal siege lines at Petersburg, Virginia is at Stop Three on the Petersburg National Battlefield Eastern Front Auto Tour. The Federal Ninth corps made its winter encampment on this site in similar structures.

Reconstruction of a Soldier's cabin in the Federal siege lines around Petersburg, Virginia

The hut is log construction from the plentiful trees in the area. Bricks for the chimney would come from demolished local buildings. The roof was canvas, supported by wood as available.

Interior of a reconstruction of a Soldier's cabin in the Federal siege lines around Petersburg, Virginia

The inside is close but cozy. Soldiers could cook and stay warm, although gathering firewood was a constant task. Food and other supplies were brought in by the the U.S. military railroad which ran behind the Union lines from the port at City Point.

Interior of a reconstruction of a Soldier's cabin in the Federal siege lines around Petersburg, Virginia

Bunk beds got the men up off the dirt floor. Union troops lived and ate much better through the winter than their Confederate opponents on the other side of the trenches. Morale and desertions became a critical problem in Lee’s army.