Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Naval Assault at Drewry’s Bluff
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 21, 2009
1. Naval Assault at Drewry’s Bluff Marker
Inscription.
Naval Assault at Drewry’s Bluff. . On May 15, 1862 a small federal fleet including the ironclads, the Monitor, the Galena, and three wooden war ships sailed up the James River to try to enter the Confederate capital at Richmond. Their efforts were blocked at Drewry’s Bluff by Confederates with heavy sea coast guns and a channel loaded with sunken vessels. Neither Union ship could elevate its guns to damage Confederates on the high bluff. The Galena received extensive damage during the four hour battle. Two members of the US Naval crew and one US Marine received the Medal of Honor for Valor due to their bravery under fire. The defenders at Drewry’s Bluff saved Richmond from attack by water for the duration of the Civil War.
On May 15, 1862 a small federal fleet including the ironclads, the Monitor, the Galena, and three wooden war ships sailed up the James River to try to enter the Confederate capital at Richmond. Their efforts were blocked at Drewry’s Bluff by Confederates with heavy sea coast guns and a channel loaded with sunken vessels. Neither Union ship could elevate its guns to damage Confederates on the high bluff. The Galena received extensive damage during the four hour battle. Two members of the US Naval crew and one US Marine received the Medal of Honor for Valor due to their bravery under fire. The defenders at Drewry’s Bluff saved Richmond from attack by water for the duration of the Civil War.
Erected 2005 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-24.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.
Location. 37° 24.076′ N, 77° 23.191′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker can be reached from Osborne Turnpike, 0.3 miles north of Kingsland Road, on the right when traveling south. This marker is on the river bank at Osborne Park & Boat Landing. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9680 Osborne Turnpike, Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 953 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
