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

Cavalry Battle at High Bridge

Lee’s Retreat

— April 6, 1865 —

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007

1. Cavalry Battle at High Bridge Marker on Lee’s Retreat

Inscription. About 900 Union infantry and cavalry were sent from Burkeville to burn this South Side Railroad trestle over the Appomattox River. Pursued by Confederate cavalry in the engagement which followed nearby, their bridge-burning mission failed and most were captured.

Next Stop
Farmville
4.8 miles

Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Civil.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 16.517′ N, 78° 19.43′ W. Marker was near Rice, Virginia, in Prince Edward County. It was on Prince Edward Hwy (U.S. 460), on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in a pulloff on the side of Route 460. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Rice VA 23966, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Virginia’s Piedmont,

in Southside Virginia,

and specifically in Central Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 Cavalry Battle at High Bridge (here, next to this marker); High Bridge (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Rice’s Depot (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. 2.4 miles away); a different marker also named The High Bridge (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rice.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Rice’s Depot (was approx. 1.8 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. Below the main text of the marker is a map of the retreat showing important stops along the route.

Regarding Cavalry Battle at High Bridge. Part of a driving tour following General Robert E. Lee's route from Petersburg to Appomattox. While visiting the site a more detailed description is played on short range radio on AM1610. Or call 1-800-6-retreat.

Also see . . .
1. Lee's Retreat to Appomattox. Virginia Civil War Trails. (Submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Markers on Lee’s Retreat image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007

2. Markers on Lee’s Retreat

There are two markers describing the Cavalry Battle at High Bridge at this location.

2. Lee's Retreat. Virginia's Retreat guide. (Submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,918 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.