Randolph in Charlotte County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Wilson-Kautz Raid

“Destroy both those roads”

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 21, 2017

1. Wilson-Kautz Raid Marker

Inscription. In late June 1864, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia were engaged in a desperate defense of the city of Petersburg. Victory for Lee depended on a steady flow of supplies, brought in by rail. To force Lee from Petersburg, Union Gen. U.S. Grant planned to cut Southern supply lines and ordered a cavalry raid to tear up track and destroy railroad stations and bridges. On June 22, 1864, Union Gens. James H. Wilson and August V. Kautz, commanding more than 5,000 cavalry troops, left Petersburg to destroy track on the Richmond & Danville R.R. and the South Side R.R.

Follow in the footsteps of Gens. Wilson and Kautz along the Virginia Civil War Trails Wilson-Kautz Raid, a tour route that allows you to explore more than 40 Civil War sites in southside Virginia. Please drive carefully as you enjoy the beauty and history along our trail.

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 Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant, and the Virginia Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1864.

Location. 36° 53.62′ N,

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78° 41.84′ W. Marker is in Randolph, Virginia, in Charlotte County. It is at the intersection of River Road (County Route 607) and Mulberry Hill Road (County Route 641), on the right when traveling west on River Road. This marker is located in front of the Randolph depot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Randolph VA 23962, 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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Roanoke Station (a few steps from this marker); Wilson’s orders were to destroy the Richmond and Danville Railroad to the greatest extent possible

Roanoke Station and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 21, 2017

2. Roanoke Station and Marker

A stop on the Richmond & Danville Railroad. The Staunton River Bridge is 0.8 miles south. The railroad is no longer operating and the right-of-way to the bridge is now a trail.

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Confederate Trail (approx. 0.8 miles away); Guarding A Lifeline (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Battle of Staunton River Bridge (approx. 0.8 miles away); Mulberry Hill (approx. one mile away); Carrington's Mill (approx. 3.1 miles away); Henrietta Lacks (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Randolph.

More about this marker. On the right is a map of the Wilson-Kautz Raid route with several insets: "Artist Alfred R. Waud's wartime drawing of the Wilson-Kautz Raid."; photos of "Gen. James H. Wilson" and "Gen. August V. Kautz"; a photo with the caption, "Capt. Benjamin L. Farinholt helped to defend Staunton River Bridge from the raiders."; and a photo with the caption, "This communion set was stolen by the raiders from St. John's Church and recovered days later at Ream's Station."

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.