Reenactors at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park

As Lee Wilcox, assistant park manager of Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park and Staunton River Battlefield State Park, gears up for the 160th battle anniversary events, he shares what visitors can look forward to. On April 5, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., reflect back on one of the American Civil War’s most intense engagements with reenactments and immersive living history experiences at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park. High Bridge Trail State Park will recognize this significant anniversary with events on April 3, 5, 6 and 7. Learn more about these state park commemorations and make your plans to attend.  

What is your role in the 160th battle anniversary events?

For the reenactment event taking place at Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, I will be overseeing tactical demonstration compliance as the chief historic weapons safety officer for 19th-century living history interpretive programming. High Bridge Trail State Park is a neighboring location whose Civil War history is intertwined with Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, so both of these locations played a crucial role in ending the war. 

Reenactors at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park 

How did these two locations play a part in ending the Civil War?

Both locations are part of what is referred to by historians as the “Appomattox Campaign," encompassing the final week of the Civil War in Virginia. The Appomattox Campaign started on April 2, 1865, with the Confederate evacuations of Richmond and Petersburg heading westward with the Union Army in pursuit, and concluded seven days later on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House where General Lee surrendered to General Grant.  

There were multiple clashes between both armies along the retreat route, but the largest and most damaging defeat for the Confederate army occurred on Thursday, April 6, 1865, at Sailor’s Creek. Union forces had caught up to the rear of the main body of General Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and attacked in large numbers in what became the last “major” battle of the Civil War in Virginia. Those who escaped capture by Union forces headed for the nearby town of Farmville in two separate columns. On Friday, April 7, one column entered Farmville by road while the second column marched across the High Bridge along a railroad line spanning the Appomattox River. After the retreating Confederates set fire to the bridge, burning the first four spans, Union forces quickly arrived and extinguished the flames. They also attacked and chased off a detachment of Confederates who were attempting to destroy the small service bridge below the High Bridge superstructure, which enabled Union reinforcements to arrive with pontoon boats and cross the river unabated.  

With Grant’s three armies in the field outnumbering Confederate forces by a ratio of 3:1 and converging on the town of Farmville from multiple directions, it wasn’t long before General Lee’s crippled army was forced to withdraw from the town and continue retreating in a westerly direction. Just two days later, they found themselves completely surrounded and forced to surrender at Appomattox Court House. 

The High Bridge

What are a few highlights at these events that guests will not want to miss? 

At Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, visitors will have access to the historic Hillsman House, which will be set up as a field hospital with living historians portraying civilians, medical staff and wounded soldiers just as it was during the battle. They will be able to meet the reenactors representing both armies at the creek’s edge during the intermission period following the morning demonstration and before the afternoon demonstration.  

The Hillsman House

At High Bridge Trail State Park, visitors can experience a Confederate encampment site represented by living historians from the 44th Virginia Infantry Regiment. They can also partake in a presentation about the untimely death of Thomas Smyth, the last Union General to be killed in the war when he was struck down by a Confederate sniper’s bullet. Additionally, they can follow in the footsteps of the routes both armies took from the High Bridge to Farmville led by a park ranger-historian.     

Reenactors walk along the High Bridge

Are there any tips for visitors to get the most out of their experience? 

Bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, layered clothing for changing weather conditions and comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. The Lion’s Club food vendor will be selling water and park staff will have emergency water in all vehicles.  

It is recommended that the volume levels on hearing aids are turned down and small children should have hearing protection. Dogs/pets may be startled by the loud noises of musket fire and cannons and are required to be on leashes no longer than 6 feet in length and under the control of their owners/handlers at all times.    

For more information, visit the event webpage. 

The events will take place rain or shine and are free to the public, however, there is a $5 parking fee to enter High Bridge Trail State Park. For more information about the activities, visit the Sailor’s Creek State Park event web page and the High Bridge Trail State Park event web page.