Taken from The National Park Service's "The American Battlefield Protection Program."

Staunton River Bridge
CWSAC Reference #: VA113
Other Names: Blacks and Whites, Old Men and Young Boys
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)
Location: Halifax County and Charlotte
Campaign: Richmond-Petersburg Campaign (June 1864-March 1865)
Date(s): June 25, 1864
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz [US]; Maj. Gen. William H.F. Rooney" Lee [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions (4,000 total)
Estimated Casualties: 150 total
Description: On June 22, the cavalry divisions of Brig. Gen. James Wilson and Brig. Gen. August Kautz were dispatched from the Petersburg lines to disrupt Confederate rail communications. Riding via Dinwiddie Court House, the raiders cut the Southside Railroad near Ford's Station that evening, destroying tracks, railroad buildings, and two supply trains. On June 23,Kautz proceeded to the junction of the Richmond & Danville Railroad at Burke Station, where he encountered elements of William H.F. Lee's cavalry near Nottoway Court House at Blacks and Whites (modern-day Blackstone). Wilson followed Kautz along the Southside Railroad, destroying about thirty miles of track as he advanced. On June 24, while Kautz remained skirmishing around Burkeville, Wilson crossed over to Meherrin Station on the Richmond & Danville and began destroying track. On June 25, Wilson and Kautz continued tearing up track south to the Staunton River Bridge, where they were delayed by Home Guards, who prevented destruction of the Bridge. Lee's cavalry division closed on the Federals from the northeast, forcing them to abandon their attempts to capture and destroy the Bridge. By this time, the raiders were nearly 100 miles from Union lines.
Result(s): Confederate victory    

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