South Boston in Halifax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Crossing of the Dan River
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 8, 2022
1. The Crossing of the Dan River Marker
Greene's army arrived at the far bank of the surging river on February 14, 1781. Along the river, at Boyd's Ferry and nearby Irwin's Ferry, bloody feet stumbled into boats to cross, and horses swam desperately through the current. The last Americans crossed the river in darkness and the first British arrived soon after. With all the boats pulled to the north riverbank, the British could advance no further. Greene had won the race to the Dan River, leaving Cornwallis with nothing but his exhausted army.
"The enemy have been pressing our rear and are in full march not three miles from our camp. But we are happy to have the river between us..." American General Nathanael Greene on the north bank of the Dan River. February 15, 1781
(captions)
General Greene, on horseback, welcomes the last of his army across the Dan River on February 14, 1781 at Boyd's Ferry. (Painting courtesy of Werner Willis)
The army's horses swam across the river along with the ferry boats that carried soldiers and supplies.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary
this page online
Location. 36° 41.589′ N, 78° 54.196′ W. Marker is in South Boston, Virginia, in Halifax County. It can be reached from the intersection of Seymour Drive and Ferry Street, on the left when traveling west. Located just west of the Norfolk Southern RR bridge below the Tobacco Heritage Trail overlooking the Dan River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: South Boston VA 24592, 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 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 walking distance of this marker: The Race to the Dan (here, next to this marker);
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 8, 2022
2. Crossing of the Dan Monument & Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 833 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 10, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 9, 2022, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
