Wilson-Kautz Raid
"Destroy both those roads"
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.
Marker can be reached from the intersection of 2nd Street NW (Business U.S. 460) and Maple Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
