Staunton River Bridge Fortification

USA / Virginia / Drakes Branch /
 fortification, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, American Civil War 1861-1865
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The Staunton River Bridge Fortification is a rare example of a well-preserved Civil War–era star fort. Associated with the defense of the Staunton River railroad bridge, the site includes remnants of a star-shaped earthen fortification (Fort Hill), rifle trenches to the north and west, and a Confederate artillery battery most likely constructed after the Battle of Staunton River Bridge. During the Civil War, the Roanoke and Danville Railroad bridge was a covered wooden structure of great importance to the Confederates who relied on the railroad for supplies. On June 25, 1864, the bridge was the object of a Union cavalry raid, during which the raiders destroyed track to the north. A ragtag band of convalescing Confederate soldiers, regular troops, and local “old men and boys” repulsed several attacks and saved the bridge.
--Virginia Department of Historic Resources
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Coordinates:   36°52'53"N   78°42'7"W
This article was last modified 6 years ago