It was a hot summer afternoon when the Wilson and Kautz raid, tearing up railroad tracks supplying Lee in Petersburg, reached the Staunton River bridge. At its defense was a mixed force made up of reserves and volunteers, both young and old under the command of Captain Benjamin Farinholt. While severely outnumbered, the Confederate forces were able to hold the bridge and force the Union troops to retreat back to Petersburg.

Join us on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Staunton River Battlefield State Park as we commemorate the anniversary of the battle of “old men and young boys”. Throughout the day, you can experience a Confederate Soldier encampment, tour the battlefield, and observe black powder firing demonstrations.

Union and Confederate reenactors on the battlefield at Staunton River Battlefield State Park

In 1864, General Grant had put emphasis on the destruction of railroads, specifically the South Side and Richmond & Danville railroads. Grant assigned Generals Wilson and Kautz to destroy tracks that were of strategic importance to General Lee and his forces. They began their raid on June 22nd with a force of 5,500 cavalry and 16 cannons. If their raid were to be successful, they would have destroyed as much track and stations as possible, including the Staunton River Bridge and the nearby Roanoke Station.

The Roanoke Station now part of Staunton River Battlefield State Park

While Wilson and Kautz were able to sever supply lines feeding Petersburg and Richmond from the south, efforts to repair these damages could be made. It was only with the destruction of the Staunton River Bridge, which was the longest bridge on the Richmond & Danville railroad line that would cripple Lee’s chances to continue his siege of Petersburg.

The Staunton River Bridge was rebuilt in 1902 and has remained essentially unchanged

Captain Farinholt sent a call out to local citizens, organizations, and soldiers home on leave to assist in the completion of the bridge’s defense. The next day on June 23rd, Farinholt had 296 men with more arriving each day. In total, 938 men and boys reported to Farinholt at the bridge, awaiting the arrival of the forces of Wilson and Kautz.

Reenactors demonstrating the Battle of Staunton River Bridge

The troops and volunteers battled hard on that hot June afternoon to defend the Staunton River Bridge. While Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House that following April, the course of the war could have shifted immensely had the bridge been destroyed during the battle.

For a full itinerary of the day's activities, click here.

For more information about Staunton River Battlefield State Park, click here, or for directions to the park, click here.