Boon’s Mill Boon’s Mill, a former Civil War battleground
On July 28, 1863, Union Troops clashed
site, has become home to a variety of wildlife
with Brig. Gen. Matt W. Ransome’s Confederate
and a quiet place for folks to spend an
forces at Boon’s Mill. Ransom and his men
afternoon.
were in Petersburg, Va. When they hurried
The site, just west of Jackson, is home to a place to hold a family picnic and fish off the pier. There flowing waters of Boone’s Millpond is surrounded by foilage that makes for a scenic spot right off U.S. 158. The site itself is home to a N.C. Historical Marker for the battle fought there. According
to Garysburg by rail upon hearing about the battle. For Ransom, the situation was grim as his plantation “Verona” was located only a few miles from Boon’s Mill and was in the path of the Union advance. The battle was a five-hour skirmish which
to the N.C. Department of Cultural and
effectively ended the Union’s effort to destroy
Natural Resources, that occurred in July of
the Weldon bridge in 1863.
1863 when the Union Army made advances
While the site was one of a historic battle,
towards Weldon with the intent of destroying
it is now a calm and serene place which allows
the railroad bridge over the Roanoke River.
people to relax and enjoy an afternoon.
Odom Shooting Range & Boat Ramp The Odom Shooting Range just outside Jackson, provides one of the newest avenues for those who like to get outside and target practice or get guns prepared for the various hunting seasons. “We are constantly trying to expand our range program,” said N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Shooting Sports Coordinator Josh Jernigan. “Any time we have the opportunity to do so, we do.” The Odom Shooting Range basically was a “right time, right place” situation, according to Jernigan. N.C. Wildlife was already involved with the Department of Public Safety, who operated the now closed Odom Correctional Institute, in providing a new boat ramp. Those wishing to use the Odom Safety Range can show up any time during the hours of operation, which include Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. “To begin with, you have to watch a fiveminute safety video if it’s your first time shooting at a range,” Taylor said. “Those who wish to shoot should bring their own eye and ear protection and their own paper targets.” Those interested in using the facility can use anything except 50 BMG or tracer rounds. Those are prohibited. The Odom Shooting Range is located at
62
709 Striper Lane in Jackson. In addition, just a short drive down the dirt path is Odom Boating Access Area, which allows visitors to put a boat in the water or just
get an closeup look at the beautiful waters of the river. The boat ramp is located at 1017 Striper Lane in Jackson.
