High Bridge: 1865

I am a Farmville native, born & raised there, and now living in Pennsylvania. I did a high school paper on the very location in the photograph, and took some photos (sadly which were lost over the course of time, and because of moving several times since then). I added the Shorpy Historical Photos blog to my Google reader awhile back because I am a history buff, and I love photos of the past so much...NEVER thought I would see a photo of a location from my old hometown show up here...glad to see people recognizing the historical importance of rural Virginia, as it was a major staging ground for many of the battles and events that ultimately shaped the early foundations of the United States. Thanks for sharing this picture with us, and I look forward to every new post here (specifically been digging on the Krazy Kat Club series...sad to see you've reached the bottom of the barrel on that)....as well as generally ALL the content here. Kudos for a great site that presents the Art which accompanies the historical events we read about, but feel somehow disconnected from...the photos make the stories more real and accessible. After all, a picture INDEED is worth a thousand words!

Many thanks,
Heather

I was curious as to how high this bridge is (answer: 160 feet) so did a little searching and found a Wikipedia article on this bridge. Thought I'd post that link here in case anyone's interested.

Interesting to me about this photo: further out on the bridge, there appears to be a work crew, perhaps. Looks like they have a handcar and possibly tools of some sort alongside the tracks. I wonder if the gentleman in the foreground, who is quite nicely dressed, is their boss? Or if he just happened to be standing there? He looks a little out of place to me.

The iris effect makes it resemble a silent film scene, maybe a silent film about the Civil War.

Also the site of a furious two-day endgame pitched battle (April 6 & 7, 1865) for control of this bridge in which it was significantly damaged by fire. This engagement occurred during Lee's retreat to Appomattox Station. Considered a tactical draw the Confederate Army nonetheless captured 800 Union troops. By April 9 the formal surrender had been signed at Appomattox Court House.

I went to Longwood College in Farmvillle and I am very familiar with this bridge. It is still in use by the railway companies. Over the years, many people have lost their lives from being on the bridge when the trains come through.....so...some people suggest it is haunted!