Many are aware that Southside Virginia saw very little fighting during the American Civil War until the first week in April of 1865. Previous to that, the region was only visited by a few Union Calvary raids now and then. From April 3 through April 9 the area was partially devastated by the passage of both Lee and Grant’s armies during their march to Appomattox. Few know that after the surrender the Union army would receive orders to return to Burkeville Junction for guard duty. As a rallying point able to accommodate 63,000 Union soldiers, they would spread themselves along both the Southside and the Richmond and Danville railroads to perform guard duty. With this assignment they would remain at least a month, having dealings with many of Southside’s local population.

Gather at 2 p.m. on August 10 in the park’s Visitor Center at Sailor’s Creek to examine this relatively unknown period in history. “All You Can Eat Ice Cream Sundays” will be offered for a $2 one-time free per person, per program. All proceeds raised from the ice cream sundaes sales will be donated to the Friends Group to help fund future Educational Programs.

For information, contact the Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park visitor center at 804-561-7510, or email at sailorscreek@dcr.virginia.gov.