Burkeville in Nottoway County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Burkeville Junction
Critical Junction
| | Lees Retreat | |
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
1. Burkeville Junction CWT Marker
Here at Burkeville Junction, the Richmond and Danville Railroad - the most direct route to North Carolina - crossed the South Side Railroad, which ran west to Farmville. Gen. Robert E. Lee planned to lead the Army of Northern Virginia down the former rail line from Amelia Court House. When part of the Army of the Potomac, one of the Union armies commanded by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, blocked the way at Jetersville on April 5, 1865, Lee turned west. He intended to follow the South Side Railroad through Farmville toward Lynchburg then to march south once more and join his army with that of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina. Surrounded and outnumbered at Appomattox Court House, however, he surrendered on April 9, 1865.
That morning, not long before the arrangements for the surrender were made, a life ended near here in Burkes Tavern. Gen. Thomas A. Smyth, mortally wounded north of Farmville on April 7, died here about 4 a.m. He was the last Union general to die in the Civil War.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
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 Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1870.
Location.
this page online
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 location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Burkeville Junction (here, next to this marker); Wilson-Kautz Raid (here, next to this marker); Burkeville (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ingleside Training Institute (approx. 0.7 miles away); Prince Edward County / Nottoway County (approx. 1.9 miles away); Ella Graham Agnew (approx. 2½ miles away); T. O. Sandy (approx. 2½ miles away); Old Nottoway Meeting House (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burkeville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Ingleside Training Institute (was approx. 0.7 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. On the lower left are photos of Gen. Thomas A. Smyth and Burkes Tavern, where he died. On the right is an area map with two insets of drawings by Charles W. Reed: Nottoway Station and Burkeville
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
2. Burkeville Junction Map
Also see . . . Burke's Tavern. National Register of Historic Places nomination form for Burke's Tavern, pictured on the marker. The tavern stands at the intersection of CR 607 and CR 621, west of Burkeville. General Thomas Smythe died in the tavern on April 9, 1865. (Submitted on April 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, April 18, 2010
3. "Wing Map" on the Marker
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
4. Burkeville CWT Markers
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 10, 2009
5. Burkeville Depot
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 22, 2004
6. Burkeville Junction (facing east)
The Richmond & Danville RR (left) crosses the South Side RR (right).
Photographed by Mark Parker, December 12, 2024
7. Burkeville Junction Marker damage
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,634 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 28, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on May 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 6. submitted on June 2, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 7. submitted on December 15, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of Burke's Tavern. • Can you help?
