Staunton River Battlefield State Park

Staunton River Battlefield State Park is a 300-acre property in Virginia that preserves earthworks and fortifications from the Civil War along a river corridor. The site includes visitor facilities with historical exhibits, walking trails, and observation points for viewing the landscape and its current wildlife.

The park marks the location of an 1864 engagement where defenders held a critical railroad bridge against overwhelming odds. This skirmish was part of the larger struggle for control of transportation lines and strategic positions throughout the war.

The location takes its name from the river that flows through it, reflecting the waterway's importance to those who lived here across centuries. Today visitors can see how the site bridges multiple layers of the region's past while serving as a place where nature and history coexist.

The site features walking paths that allow visitors to explore at their own pace, with picnic areas available for groups and families. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through the grounds.

The grounds include two observation towers positioned to overlook wetland areas where visitors can watch water birds and other animals in their natural setting. This pairing of military history with nature watching creates a distinctive experience rarely found at similar sites.

Location: Virginia

Website: https://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/staunton-river-battlefield

GPS coordinates: 36.88690,-78.70470

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05