Near Rice in Prince Edward County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

High Bridge

Photographed by Laura Troy, July 23, 2008

1. High Bridge Marker

Inscription. One mile north stood the Southside Railroad Bridge, spanning the 75-foot-wide Appomattox River. On 6 April, 1865, nine hundred Union soldiers attempting to burn the 2500-foot-long, 126-foot-high structure were captured by Confederate cavalry. Crossing on 7 April, retreating Confederates burned four spans but failed to destroy the lower wagon bridge thus allowing Union soldiers to cross and attack at Cumberland Church north of Farmville.

Erected 1989 by Virginia Historic Landmark Commission. (Marker Number F-73.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1865.

Location. 37° 16.517′ N, 78° 19.404′ W. Marker is near Rice, Virginia, in Prince Edward County. It is at the intersection of Prince Edward Highway (U.S. 460) and County Route 640, on the right when traveling west on Prince Edward Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rice VA 23966, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont,

in Southside Virginia,

and specifically in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Cavalry Battle at High Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Rice’s Depot

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(approx. 1.8 miles away); Action at High Bridge (approx. 2.2 miles away); Battle of Sailor's Creek (approx. 2.2 miles away); African-Americans at High Bridge (approx. 2.3 miles away); Camp Paradise (approx. 2.3 miles away); a different marker also named The High Bridge (approx. 2.4 miles away); a different marker also named The High Bridge (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rice.

Other markers no longer nearby. Cavalry Battle at High Bridge (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Rice’s Depot (was approx. 1.8 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . .
1. Lee's Retreat. Map and tour guide to key locations along the retreat route. (Submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. High Bridge over the Appomattox River. Wikipedia entry. “Rebuilt after the Civil War to its former dimensions, the 21-span structure was 2,400 feet (730 m) long at a maximum height of 160 feet (49 m) above the Appomattox River Valley.

Photographed by Craig Swain, April 18, 2010

2. High Bridge Marker

Its owner, Norfolk and Southern, has abandoned the corridor, gifting 33 miles of the line to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. (Submitted on April 28, 2012.)

Additional commentary.
1. High Bridge has opened to the public.
A foot trail along the High Bridge Trail takes visitors to the bridge which is open to the public. The bridge crosses the Appomattox. The entire High Bridge Trail will eventually 34 miles long and still in development. To see the site of High Bridge from Farmville, head north out of town on Route 45, cross the river then turn east on River Road and continue 3 miles to a parking area. Be prepared for a walk and take some water. The bridge is a mile walk southeast of River Road, but well worth the hike.

— Submitted April 26, 2012, by Bruce RInehart of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

High Bridge - Before Modifications for Trail Use image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain

3. High Bridge - Before Modifications for Trail Use

Looking from the north bridge abutment across the bridge. The iron bridge dating to the early 20th century stands, and pillars of the wartime bridge, to the right of the trusses, remain.

High Bridge Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bruce RInehart, April 10, 2012

4. High Bridge Today

The bridge is safe for hikers, bicycles, and horses.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,027 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 8, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 19, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on April 26, 2012, by Bruce RInehart of Virginia Beach, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.