“In our front there was an unusual quiet, that preceded the storm…” wrote Julius A. Lineback, a musician in the 26th North Carolina Infantry, of the hours leading up to the historic Breakthrough Battle of April 2, 1865. Pamplin Historical Park and The National 
Museum of the Civil War Soldier hosts its 10th annual Breakthrough Anniversary Tour on April 5, 2014, where visitors will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers on an exclusive tour of the Parks historic grounds. This detailed, one and a half hour walking tour covers the story of the decisive engagement that ended the Petersburg Campaign and led to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia 149 years ago.
A pre-dawn walking tour departs from the Parks Civil War Adventure Camp at 5:15 a.m. and requires advanced registration. The tour, like the Breakthrough Battle, begins in darkness, so participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight. A complimentary hot breakfast will be available to all registered participants in the Banquet Room of the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier at the conclusion of the tour.
The Park will open to the public at 8:00 a.m. to accommodate a full schedule of events including a dramatic reading of primary source material produced by soldiers who were present at the Breakthrough Battle and a hands-on display of some of the Parks unique artifacts. The event will also feature a combined arms demonstration at the Fortifications Exhibit, screenings of the film War So Terrible, a tour of Tudor Hall Plantation, and much more.
The cost for the tours, daily Park admission, and all special programs is $18, with Park Members admitted at no cost. Contact Member Services by Wednesday, April 2, to reserve a space in the pre-dawn tour with complimentary breakfast. Reservations are required and non-refundable. Call (804) 861-2408 or email MemberServices@pamplinpark.org
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One of Virginias Best Places to Visit according to the Travel Channel, and designated as a National Historic Landmark, Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier is a 424-acre Civil War campus located in Dinwiddie County, Virginia offering a combination of high-tech museums and hands-on experiences. The Park has four world-class museums and four antebellum homes. The Park is also the site of The Breakthrough Battlefield of April 2, 1865 and Americas premiere participatory experience, Civil War Adventure Camp. For more information, please call 804-861-2408 or visit www.pamplinpark.org.
