The American Civil War Museum–Appomattox is pleased to host the Appomattox Petersburg Preservation Society for their lecture, “The Most Gallant Fight of the War: The Battle of High Bridge.”

This lecture explores the clash that occurred on April 6, 1865, as a Federal expeditionary force attempted to burn the vital Appomattox River crossings during Lee’s retreat toward Farmville. Outnumbered but determined, the Federal detachment fought fiercely against Confederate cavalry before being overwhelmed in brutal hand-to-hand combat, leaving nearly the entire Union force killed, wounded, or captured.

Carson Butler directs the American Civil War Museum–Appomattox site. He holds a History degree from Gettysburg College with minors in Civil War–Era Studies and Public History. He has interpreted Civil War history at National Park Service sites including Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. He also worked as a Virginia State Parks Ranger at High Bridge Trail State Park, highlighting the often-forgotten fighting at High Bridge during the Appomattox Campaign. Additionally, he is a published author in the Emerging Civil War series and is an active member of the Appomattox Petersburg Preservation Society.