The Staunton River Battlefield State Park and the Clover visitor center were
opened on June 10, 1995. The visitor center and 80 acres of adjoining property
were donated by Virginia Power and Old Dominion Electric Cooperative. Since then,
through donations and purchases, the park has grown to 300 acres, located on
both sides of the railroad track and both sides of the Staunton River. In 2002
an additional visitor center, in Randolf, "Roanoke Station", was added and, more
recently, the Mulberry Hill Plantation has been acquired.
The Mulberry Hill Plantation, where Mrs. McPhail told the Union officers of the
trainloads of Confederate troops, is located up state road 641 from Randolph at
the top of the hill. It was also the headquarters of the Union force during
their brief stay.
At the Clover visitor center, the Civil War exhibits focus on Wilson's raid,
the battle of "Old Men and Young Boys" and home life in Southside Virginia during
the war.
On the Halifax County side of the river, the park features an extensive set of
earthworks (fort), a completely planked railroad bridge across the Staunton
River, an artillery emplacement and a self guided walking trail. The
fortifications have been ranked among "the most well preserved earthworks" in
the state of Virginia. The planked bridge, over 500 feet long, offers an
impressive view of the scenic Staunton River.
The battlefield and self guided trails are accessable year round from 8:00 A.M.
to dusk.
The Clover Visitor Center is open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
and Sunday from 1:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
The Roanoke Visitor Center will be open by request. Please call 434-454-4312 for
more information.
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