Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
See link(s) below to view additional documentation.
VLR Listing Date 03/17/2004
NRHP Listing Date 11/19/2014
NRHP Reference Number 04000577
The Staunton River Bridge Fortification Historic District in Charlotte and Halifax counties 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 the star-shaped earthen fortification known as 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 prevented the bridge’s destruction.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: January 3, 2022
