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Ford in Dinwiddie County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Ford's Depot

The Destruction Begins

— Wilson-Kautz Raid —

 
 
Ford's Depot CWT Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
1. Ford's Depot CWT Marker
Inscription. In June 1864, to deny Gen. Robert E. Lee the 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 a cavalry raid to destroy track and rolling stock. The Wilson-Kautz raiders reached this point at sundown on June 22, and destroyed two trains and military supplies. A passenger train from the west stopped just short of the station, reversed course and backed all the way to Burkeville (about 35 miles) where news of the raid was telegraphed to Gen. Robert E. Lee in Richmond. Late in the evening, Gen. W.H.F. “Rooney” Lee’s cavalry fought a brief skirmish with the raiders.

“The [Confederate] train was hailed by Colonel Lewis of Dinwiddie, who informed us that the enemy were at Ford’s. We backed about three miles, then sent forward a crank which did not return. Then four men on foot went toward Ford’s. We gave them ample time to scout the railroad and report, but failing to do so the train was at once moved to this place [Burkeville]. I could not learn the force of the enemy; only heard it was large.” - Major Robert G. Mosby, C.S.A., telegram to Richmond

“About sundown the Southside railroad was reached a little west of Sutherland’s, and destruction of ties, rails, culverts and
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bridges began in earnest. The night was soon illuminated by the destroying fires. Our march now lay along the railroad, and was continued as far as Ford’s, where we halted about eleven p.m., after capturing two trains, one passenger and one freight. The engines hating been set on fire by the men with rails and boards piled around them, made the night hideous with their unearthly shrieks, which continued for several hours, disturbing the rest, which weary and sleepy, we sought in vain to enjoy.”
– Louis Bouydre 5th New York Cavalry
 
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1864.
 
Location. 37° 8.963′ N, 77° 44.127′ W. Marker is in Ford, Virginia, in Dinwiddie County. Marker is at the intersection of Baltimore Road and Zion Road, on the right when traveling north on Baltimore Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ford VA 23850, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Burning of White Oak Methodist Church (approx. 4˝ miles away); A Final Stand (approx. 5.4 miles away); Battle of Five Forks (approx.
Ford's Depot Marker (facing north) image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
2. Ford's Depot Marker (facing north)
5.8 miles away); Crawford's Sweep (approx. 6.2 miles away); "Among my gallant officers…": (approx. 6.2 miles away); Death of Pegram (approx. 6.2 miles away); "Hold Five Forks at all hazards…" (approx. 6.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Five Forks (approx. 6.2 miles away).
 
More about this marker. On the upper center is as sketch of troopers at work destroying track. On the lower right are photographic depictions of "Destroying railroads included heating and "wrapping" the rails."
 
Also see . . .  Civil War Traveler - Southside Virginia & Lee's Retreat. Wilson-Kautz Raid. Ford's Depot (Submitted on May 18, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.) 
 
RR siding at Ford, Va. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
3. RR siding at Ford, Va.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,374 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on May 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.

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Mar. 29, 2024