Staunton River Battlefield State Park

In the summer of 1864, the bridge across the Staunton River looked much the same as it does today, although it had a roof. In these fields, an outnumbered band of old men and young boys from Southside Virginia were able to repel a force of Union soldiers more than 5,000 strong. This momentous victory protected General Robert E. Lee’s main supply line for his defense of Petersburg. Almost 150 years later, the earthen fort still stands, as does the bridge. The sounds of muskets and artillery have long since been silenced by the sounds of indigo buntings, summer tanagers and northern bobwhites. Visitors can now walk out onto this famous bridge and look down into the clear waters of the Staunton River and see eastern river cooters floating far below, or solitary sandpipers resting on a sandbar to save up energy for their long migration south.

Along with the significant historical features inherent to the park, it also offers a beautiful trail through the woods and fields along the Staunton River. This trail includes two observation platforms overlooking the seasonally flooded depressions next to the river. Here, wood ducks can be seen rearing their young, and great horned owls hoot from deep within the woods. While crisscrossing through the woods, listen for white-eyed vireos scolding from deep within the bushes and check the numerous brush piles for brown thrashers or perhaps a yellow-breasted chat.

After checking out the impressive interpretive center for information on the battle and the area’s natural history, be sure to visit the impressive butterfly garden along the path to the fort. This area is filled with iridescent wings of American snouts, great spangled fritillaries, red-spotted purples and common buckeyes.

Notes:

• The Clover Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Roanoke Station Visitor Center is closed for renovation.