Civil War Wilson-KautzTrail Marker

In June 1864, to deny Gen. Robert E. Leethe use of the South Side R.R. and the Richmond and Danville R.R., Gen.Ulysses S. Grant sent Gen.James H. Wilson and Gen. August V. Kautz south of Petersburg on acavalry raid to destroy track and rollingstock as well as the Staunton River Bridge.

On the morning of June 23, 1864, ConfederateCapt. Benjamin L. Farinholt dispatched a courier from the bridge toHalifax (then called Banister Town) requesting reinforcements. Capt.William B. Hurt mustered his company of home guards, composed of oldmen from the community, and Headmaster John Henry Powellgathered young students from hisHalifax Academy.

On June 25, these old men and young boys helpeddefend the bridge from destruction by the Wilson-Kautz raiders.