A bit of Petersburg's history, on canvas

The Progress Index ^ | 03/11/2006 | Julie Buchanan

[Pharmboy]

PETERSBURG - The Civil War may be the big draw for visitors to the Cockade City, but a new painting on display at the Siege Museum is a reminder that Petersburg's place in American history goes back much further. To help commemorate the 225th anniversary of the Revolutionary War Battle of Petersburg, historic artist Pamela Patrick White has painted a scene from the 1781 event. The oil painting was unveiled last night during the monthly Friday for the Arts! celebration. White, who lives in Baltimore and is a Revolutionary War reenactor herself, focuses her art on the history of the 18th century, particularly the Revolutionary and the French and Indian wars.

"I like the 18th century, it's the beginning of our country," said the acclaimed artist who used to illustrate texts for some of the world's biggest book publishers. "I feel we really need to talk about the men and women who fought for this country. The Civil War often overshadows that history."

White's painting shows a backyard clash between the Virginia Militia in Petersburg - a mixed group of mostly farmers and merchants - and the British in April 1781. It included close-contact raids on the homes and people who lived along the Appomattox River, an aspect of the war that intrigued White.

"I like the feeling of being in somebody's back yard," she said. "I hope [the painting] really encourages people to use their imagination and look in their own back yards and wonder what happened there."

The Revolutionaries lost the Battle of Petersburg, but White was nonetheless inspired by their fight. It shows in the war-weary faces she has painted.

"America lost this battle but they fought," she said. "They're not just running away, they're fighting as they go."

The painting will be incorporated into Petersburg's part in Virginia's Jamestown 2007 festivities. James H. Ryan, chairman of the city's Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee, studied the painting last night at its unveiling.

"I think this is a very realistic work," he said. "In my opinion as a retired military man, I believe it's an important work. The Battle of Petersburg is underrated as a key battle in the Revolutionary War.

"It's an important work not only from an artistic standpoint but also an historical standpoint. We're lucky to have it."

A reproduction of the painting will be on display at the Siege Museum, located at 15 W. Bank St. in Old Towne.

The 225th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Petersburg will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22 and 23 at Battersea.

It is the inaugural event for Petersburg in the Jamestown 2007 celebration.

* Julie Buchanan may be reached at 722-5155.

[Pharmboy]

Just a nice little story...

[Pharmboy]

The Gadsden Flag--we can thank our South Carolina Bretheren for this one...

The short RevWar/Colonial History/Gen. Washington ping list. Freepmail me to get ON or OFF this list.

[Mrs. Darla Ruth Schwerin]

"I like the 18th century, it's the beginning of our country," said the acclaimed artist who used to illustrate texts for some of the world's biggest book publishers. "I feel we really need to talk about the men and women who fought for this country."

I agree. That's why there's such unrest among the people in our country. If they really knew about this stuff, they'd be a lot less likely to be so rebellious. Those people are simply unaware of all the hardships that accompany such rebellion...

[Pharmboy]

I could not agree more. Although my kids are in public school, I always say that they are home schooled in American history.

[Zavien Doombringer]

I know Pamela Patrick White personaly. Fantastic painter and a Fifer with the 1st Maryland. Anyone goig to Guilford Courthouse (225th) this weekend will see her there.