Each year since 1992, the City of Petersburg has hosted a Revolutionary War encampment and commemorative reenactment of the battle fought here on 25 April 1781. Normally hosted on the third weekend of April, this event draws many authentically recreated American, British, German, French, Native American, and Spanish units that document their lineage to actual service in the American Revolution.

Throughout the weekend, there are continuing military camp-life and battlefield demonstrations conducted for the education of both participants and the visiting public. These demonstrations feature infantry, cavalry, artillery, a field hospital, various crafts, camp cooking, and a range of Sutlers selling 18th Century wares.

Battersea was the home of Colonel John Banister, Petersburg's first Mayor, in the 1700s and has been under restoration for several years. There are 35 acres for encampment and tactical demonstrations on the actual site that Lord Charles Cornwallis' troops occupied in May 1781. It is an exciting and picturesque location for the annual observance of Petersburg's Revolutionary War heritage. This is a free and open event to all Revolutionary War reenactor participants. It is also and an excellent opportunity for the general public to visit and observe military life during the revolution.

One significant highlight of the event is the Saturday morning memorial service, held in honor of Major General William Phillips who commanded the British Force in the Battle of Petersburg. Phillips died of a fever three weeks following the battle and was buried in Blandford Church Cemetery on Crater road.