​the Foundation

The Historic Staunton River Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization; which was formed in 1994 with the scope and purpose of promoting, developing, and preserving: the 1864 Battlefield at the Staunton River; the Staunton River Bridge; the Staunton River historical areas and environs; the Roanoke Station; Mulberry Hill Plantation, the ancestral home of the Carrington family; 44CH62, the Randy K. Wade Archaeological Site and any future archaeological discoveries in the area along the Staunton River; and the Sappony Indian Nation. The Foundation also collects artifacts and historical memorabilia for display and works to preserve the integrity of the Staunton River environs and archaeological sites. In addition, the Foundation provides historical, environmental, wildlife, and wetlands education as well as assists in developing programs and events for the general public at the Staunton River Battlefield State Park. The Foundation is membership driven and relies solely on the support and dedication of a volunteer staff. The governing body of the Foundation is its seventeen-member Board of Trustees; which meets the first Thursday of every month at the Clover Visitors Center. The Foundation is headquartered in Randolph, Virginia (Charlotte County) at P.O. Box 1, Randolph, Virginia 23962; and it maintains a website, which can be viewed by accessing www.historicstauntonriverfoundation.org.

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Today, the Staunton River Battlefield State Parks serves as a venue between the counties of Charlotte and Halifax physically, culturally, historically, genealogically, and symbolically. It inscribes its place in the history and culture of Southside Virginia. The Park, straddling the Charlotte-Halifax line, encompasses approximately 341 acres that spans across more than 3,000 years of North American, Native American, Colonial American, and Virginian history. The key components of the Battlefield State Park include:

• 44CH62 Randy K. Wade Archaeological Site, a 3,000 year-old Amerindian (Sappony Indian) settlement and burial ground, that is a collaborative-research project by and between Longwood University’s (Farmville, Virginia) Archaeology Field School, Virginia State Parks, and the Sappony Indian Nation;

• Clover Visitors Center, the central welcome center for visitors to the Staunton River Battlefield State Park, provides display and interactive exhibits on the nearby Clover Power Station (generation of and use of electrical energy); the Wilson-Kautz Raid, the 1864 Battle for Staunton River Bridge; home life in Southside Virginia during the War Between the States; the Battle of “Old Men & Young Boys;” and features a large relief map of the surrounding countryside that highlights features of this significant, but less-well-known battle;

• Fort Hill or Staunton River Bridge Fortification, an earthen fortification, forged at the hands of servant labor during the War Between the States; that told, is a remarkable footnote to man’s genius and engineering ingenuity over the land to be used as a impregnable stronghold during the invasion of one’s homeland and they have been ranked as some of “the most well-preserved” earthworks in the Commonwealth;

• Battleground and Killing Fields: two components of the pivotal engagement that took place on this sacred soil between one established nation and one vying for independence;

• Staunton River Bridge, originally a wood-covered railroad bridge along the Richmond & Danville Railway, that served as the focal point of the 1864 Wilson-Kautz Raid that was successfully defended by 938 soldiers formed from Confederate Reserves and “Old Men & Young Boys;” the current iron structure spans 600 feet in length and was constructed in 1902 by the American Bridge Company;

• Mulberry Hill Plantation (ca. 1750’s), the ancestral home of Judge Paul Carrington, an Early American planter, lawyer, politician, which was later used as headquarters for the Union forces during the Battle of Staunton River Bridge; Roanoke Station Visitors Center, a turn-of-the century, Victorian-era Depot that today serves as a welcome center on the Charlotte County side of the Park and houses a museum of Native American artifacts found from the nearby archaeological site; historically and culturally, it serves as a reminder of the trains, citizens, passengers, and soldiers that it once served from the rail lines of the Richmond & Danville Railway (1847-1894), Southern Railway (1884-1982), and Norfolk Southern Railway (1982-1984);

• Walking Trails and associated amenities (Picnic Shelter, etc.) provide visitors with more than one mile of connected walking/biking/hiking trails that emphasize wetland and wildlife education and awareness; key elements of the Walking Trails comprise of two Observation Towers that overlook the wetlands that are shown as a commitment between the owners of the Clover Power Station and the people of the community to provide a habitat for flora and fauna; full public access to the trail between Fort Hill and Randolph that was the former rail bed of Norfolk Southern Railway; and the Picnic Shelter, an ideal outdoor location for large gatherings (family reunions, corporate meetings, etc.) or intimate family outings; and

• Wetlands, Staunton River Battlefield State Park is home to one of the largest managed wetlands east of the Mississippi, which encompasses approximately 15 acres of park land

The Foundation and the Park sponsor and host numerous historical events and family activities throughout the calendar year. In the spring, there is the Easter Egg Hunt; in June the highly attended Commemoration of the Battle is held; and throughout the summer months there are numerous outdoor activities like wagon rides, interpretive programs and workshops, canoe rides, nature walks and much more. During the fall, there is Haunted Harvest Hayride and finally with the arrival of winter, the two host an Antebellum Christmas Open House at Mulberry Hill. Throughout the year, there is a abundant amount of activities and events held at Staunton River Battlefield State Park.

Membership in the Foundation is a mere $15.00 a year. These dues include the satisfaction of helping preserve, promote, and develop ALL of the components of the Foundation’s mission and the Staunton River Battlefield State Park. Additionally, members receive a 10% discount in the gift shop; the Sentinel, the Foundation’s bi-annual newsletter; and invitations to member-only meetings, lectures, and presentations. Volunteers are always welcome and needed to operate the Foundation, as well as, organize, plan, and implement the many activities held throughout the year.

If you are interested in the Staunton River Battlefield State Park, would like more information, or would like to volunteer and help with any of the events listed here, please feel free to contact the Foundation

 

2011 Annual Report

 

 

2012 Annual Report

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                

 

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Park Manger: David Gunnells

david.gunnells@dcr.virginia.gov

 

Liaison to Sappony Indians: Otis Martin, Chief

sappony@msn.com

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District V Manager: Tim Vest

tim.vest@dcr.vriginia.gov

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