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
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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
Recommended
Reading: The American Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley
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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