WSET.com - ABC13South Boston Honors Historical Revolutionary War Anniversary

Reporter: James Gherardi l Videographer: R.J. Burnette

South Boston, VA - It's shaping up to be a busy weekend at the Prizery in South Boston. Friday, a group of elementary school students put on a play, and Saturday they'll host a Revolutionary War re-enactment. It's all because of a major historical milestone many locals are very proud of.

The Dan River cuts right through South Boston, and though many people don't know it, the role that town played in the Revolutionary War was one of incredible importance. It was more than 200 years ago this week that a turning point on the banks of the river changed the outcome of that war.

"We're standing at the spot where the Americans landed on the safe side of the river, the north side of the river, this was one of the turning points," said Douglas Powell, the president of the Sons of the American Revolution.

They call it the Crossing of the Dan.

"This was a great event in the history of the American Revolution," said Barbara Bass the president of the Halifax County Historical Society.

It was 231 years ago when American General Nathaniel Green crossed the river here and stopped the march of British troops into Virginia.

"Had Cornwallace crossed the Dan River, we are told that he would have taken Virginia and that Washington's Army would have fallen," said Bass.

It was pivotal point in the creation of our country that happened in South Boston. At the Prizery, they're making sure history comes alive.

"We want them to know that something significant happened here and that patriotic men and women sacrificed for what we have today," said Bass.

They're celebrating all weekend. Revolutionary War re-enactors will flood the banks of the river this weekend to re-live the moment of the crossing. And the Prizery's exhibit, featuring the important event, is open to all. Organizers say it's a piece of local history of national importance.

"You learn from history. History keeps coming back around, and the more we learn about our history, the more it helps us face the future," said Powell.

Organizers say the crossing has fallen into the shadows of other more well-known historical events. But given its importance they say, they'll continue to share the story hoping locals will appreciate the role their town had in our history.