On Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, Staunton River Battlefield State Park commemorates the one hundred-fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Staunton River Bridge, often referred to as “The battle of young men and old boys.” This event is being held in partnership with the Historic Staunton River Foundation.

There will be demonstrations of cannon firing during the Commemoration

William B. Hurt of the First Virginia Reserves wrote of the battle “While the infantry or dismounted cavalry outnumbered them over ten to one … these little untrained boys and old gray-headed farmers …arose from their position of partial safety and protection and with a firm and steady step marched into the very jaws of death itself…”

Historic Mulberry Hill played a prominent role in the battl.

Reenactors with the Army of Northern Virginia will be at the Staunton River Bridge in traditional military dress for a tactical demonstration of the Battle with mounted cavalry and cannons, both Saturday and Sunday.  There will also be demonstrations of the life, music, weapons, and military tactics of the American Civil War. You can visit the Union Headquarters, the Bridge, and the Virginians’ fort on the high ground.

The tactical demonstration begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday on the actual field where the battle took place in June 1864. At 3:20 p.m. visitors will be able to see a scripted recreation of the battle.

The park will open for spectators at 8 a.m. each day. Both Union and Confederate camps will be open beginning at 9 a.m. with living history throughout the day Saturday, and on Sunday until after the final pass and review scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

In addition to the events within the park, two area historic homes will be open for tours: Black Walnut and Woodlawn.

For a full schedule of events click here.

Admission is $12 Saturday and $8 Sunday. Children ages 5 and under are free.

Staunton River Battlefield State Park is within two hours of Richmond and Roanoke. For more information, contact the park office at 434-454-4312 or visit the Historic Staunton River Foundation website.

For information about lodging and other area attractions and events contact Halifax Tourism at 434-572-2543 or click here.

See history come to life at the Battle of Staunton River Bridge Commemoration!