Battle of Staunton River Bridge

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Staunton River Bridge Battle of Staunton River Bridge Virginia Pictures Photographs 

Other Names: Blacks and Whites, Old Men and Young Boys

Location: Halifax County and Charlotte

Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)

Date(s): June 25, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz [US]; Maj. Gen. William H. F. “Rooney”  Lee [CS]

Forces Engaged: Divisions (4,000 total)

Estimated Casualties: 150 total

Staunton Bridge Historical Marker
battle_of_staunton__river_bridge_edited.jpg

Description: On June 22, the cavalry divisions of Brig. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz were dispatched from the Petersburg lines to disrupt Confederate rail communications.  Riding via Dinwiddie Court House, the raiders cut the South Side Railroad near Ford’s Station that evening, destroying tracks, railroad buildings, and two supply trains. On June 23, Wilson proceeded to the junction of the Richmond & Danville Railroad at Burke Station, where he encountered elements of William H.F. Lee’s cavalry between Nottoway Court House and Blacks and Whites (modern-day Blackstone). Wilson followed Kautz along the South Side Railroad, destroying about thirty miles of track as he advanced. On June 24, while Kautz remained skirmishing around Burkeville, Wilson crossed over to Meherrin Station on the Richmond & Danville and began destroying track. On June 25, Wilson and Kautz continued tearing up track south to the Staunton River Bridge, where they were delayed by Home Guards, who prevented destruction of the bridge. Lee’s cavalry division closed on the Federals from the northeast, forcing them to abandon their attempts to capture and destroy the bridge. By this time, the raiders were nearly 100 miles from Union lines.

The Staunton River Bridge, 600 feet long, crosses the Staunton River and was part of the Richmond & Danville railroad supply route from the west and south for Confederate troops during the Civil War. In 1864, it was successfully defended by 'Old Men and Young Boys' during the Wilson-Kautz raid.
Today it is part of the walking trail between the Clover Visitor Center and the Roanoke Vistor Center. This trail is 0.8 mile long and follows the old railroad bed allowing vistors access to the park from either side of the river.
 
Result(s): Confederate victory
 
Source: National Park Service; stauntonriverbattlefield.org

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Battle of Staunton River Bridge Virginia Pictures Photographs Detailed History Battlefield of Staunton River Bridge Union Confederate Cavalry General Kautz General William H F Rooney Lee Facts Reports

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