Near New Kent in New Kent County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

McClellan’s Camp at Cumberland Landing

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2017

1. McClellan’s Camp at Cumberland Landing Marker

Inscription. In May 1862, during the Peninsula Campaign, the Union Army of the Potomac under Major General George B. McClellan advanced up the Pamunkey River toward Richmond, while Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s army moved to defend the city. Cumberland Landing, just northeast of here, served as McClellan’s headquarters and supply depot from 13 to 16 May. Nearly 110,000 troops, possibly the largest American army assembled to date, camped nearby. James F. Gibson, a pioneer in Civil War photojournalism, captured striking images of the sprawling tent city, ships on the river, and formerly enslaved African Americans called “contrabands.”

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number WO-23.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 13, 1862.

Location. 37° 32.168′ N, 76° 58.776′ W. Marker is near New Kent, Virginia, in New Kent County. Marker is on Cumberland Road (County Route 637) 1½ miles north of New Kent Highway (Virginia Route 249), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Kent VA 23124, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of

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this marker, measured as the crow flies. French Cannon at Cumberland Landing (here, next to this marker); Cumberland Town (a few steps from this marker); Samuel Wilson Crump (1919-1995) (approx. 1.3 miles away); John Parke Custis / Martha Dandridge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Confederate Memorial (approx. 1.3 miles away); Martha Washington's Birthplace (approx. 1.3 miles away); James Lafayette (approx. 1.3 miles away); New Kent Courthouse (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Kent.

Also see . . . Civil War, Cumberland Landing, Gibson, James F.,. This link is to the collection of photographs at the Prints and Photographs Division at the Library of Congress. (Submitted on August 23, 2017.)

Markers at the Pulloff image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2017

2. Markers at the Pulloff

This marker is on the right.

Cumberland Landing, Va. Federal encampment on Pamunkey River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James F. Gibson, May 1862

3. Cumberland Landing, Va. Federal encampment on Pamunkey River

“Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862.” Via the Library of Congress. Original is a glass stereograph wet collodion 4x10 in. negative. This is the image on the left side.

Cumberland Landing, Va. Gens. Andrew A. Humphreys, Henry W. Slocum, William B. Franklin, image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James F. Gibson, May 14, 1862

4. Cumberland Landing, Va. Gens. Andrew A. Humphreys, Henry W. Slocum, William B. Franklin,

William F. Barry, and John Newton, with friends “Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862.” Via the Library of Congress. Original is a glass stereograph wet collodion 4x10 in. negative. This is the image on the left side. Click on image to zoom in.

Cumberland Landing, Va. Secret Service men at Foller’s House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James F. Gibson, May 1862

5. Cumberland Landing, Va. Secret Service men at Foller’s House

“Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862.” Via the Library of Congress. Seated in the distance smoking a pipe is reported to be Allen Pinkerton of Pinkerton Detective Agency fame. He was chief of McClellan’s secret service. Original is a glass stereograph wet collodion 4x10 in. negative. This is the image on the left side.

Cumberland Landing, Va. Group of “Contrabands” at Foller’s house image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James F. Gibson, May 14, 1862

6. Cumberland Landing, Va. Group of “Contrabands” at Foller’s house

“Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, The Peninsular Campaign, May-August 1862.” Via the Library of Congress. Original is a glass stereograph wet collodion 4x10 in. negative. Only one of the stereograph images is available.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 981 times since then and 117 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 23, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.