Day Two This morning a very short drive takes you to the Staunton River Battlefield State Park, best known for its Civil War history. As you approach the bridge over the Staunton River at the park, you’ll easily see how the geographically critical location was defended from the elaborate range of Civil War trenches. In June 1864, when Union Cavalry forces moved south on the Richmond & Danville Railroad and destroyed track as they went, they approached the Staunton River Bridge where 492 old men and young boys and 296 Confederate troops were ready to defend the intersection. That battle later became known as the Wilson-Kautz Raid. The bridge represented the final goal in General Wilson’s objective to destroy train routes throughout Southern Virginia. Lying silent today, the earthworks that so stoutly served to defend the bridge have been ranked among “the most well preserved earthworks in the State of Virginia” and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Right outside the entrance to Staunton River State Park, River Traders has boats of all types for rental to enable you to get out on the Staunton River. Farther up river, the Staunton River State Park takes its name from the river that borders the park. It was named for Captain Henry Staunton who commanded a company of soldiers to protect early settlers from Indian attacks. This section of the Dan River became known as Captain Staunton’s River and later, Staunton River. Forty years later the river became an important means of transporting tobacco from the many large plantations lining its banks. Most were destroyed during the Civil War. From 1933 to 1935 a unit of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built most of the buildings and facilities that are still at the Park. Nearby Buggs Island Lake was formed with the construction of the Kerr Dam in 1952. If there’s any time left today after those two adventures, Halifax County also provides a tremendous variety of other canoeing and water-based options. The best trips are found on the Staunton River, Banister River, Dan River, Hyco River, Aarons Creek, Difficult Creek, Buggs Island Lake and Lake Conner. This evening, if you’re game, take in a race at the South Boston Speedway! Affectionately known as SoBo, the track has undergone tremendous recent renovations. South Boston Speedway now hosts the NASCAR Grand National events as well as Late Model Stock Car races. You can enjoy the racing traditions of 44 years at South Boston Raceway and the same level of professionalism and competition now the norm at America’s Super Speedways. Plus that, there’s the famous hospitality of southern towns. Choice of Accommodations for night two: Holiday Inn Express: Stay at this well located, well priced property in South Boston, Virginia. Oak Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy this 1820s grand antebellum home located on over 400 acres. Inn at Berry Hill: Experience the incredible elegance of this National Historic Landmark located on 650 acres which merges technological innovation with a meticulous architectural restoration.