Hopewell, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Quartermaster Repair Shops
The Quartermaster Department was responsible for the transportation of the Army, storage and transportation of supplies, clothing, camp and garrison equipage, horses, forage, fuel, maintenance of buildings and repair of equipment.
Captain Edward J. Strang was in charge of the repair shops, located nearby, which employed more than 1,600 blacksmiths, wheelwrights, carpenters, saddlers, teamsters, laborers and clerks. These men were responsible for the maintenance and repair of army equipment. Quarters were built next to the repair shops to house Strang’s employees.
Captain Strang’s wharf was located below the intersection of Pecan Avenue and Water Street on the James River. The wharf extended along 190 feet of the waterfront and covered 26,344 sq. ft. A one story frame store house was constructed on the wharf.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 18.96′ N, 77° 16.408′ W. Marker was in Hopewell, Virginia. Marker was on Water Street south of Pecan Avenue, on the right when traveling south. This marker is located in the Old City Point Waterfront Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Hopewell VA 23860, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Quartermaster Repair Shops (here, next to this marker); Clearing the Way (within shouting distance of this marker); Virginia Indians near City Point (within shouting distance of this marker); City Point (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named City Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Taverns (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Housing Several Thousand Federal Troops (about 500 feet away); Historic City Point (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hopewell.
More about this marker. On the top of the panel is a period photo of the "Workshop, Quartermaster Department, west side, January, 1865."
On the lower center and right are images of sutlers and other commercial enterprises at City Point. The caption reads, "City Point had more than its share of sutlers’ outlets catering to the needs of civilians and soldiers alike. Sutlers were basically small businessmen who obtained lucrative contracts from the army to sell food, clothing, writing materials, and other goods to the soldiers. City Point not only had the traditional sutlers but restaurants, eating houses, and even a hotel. On the southwest corner of Water Street and Pecan Avenue stood several eating establishments. Fresh oysters were a particular attraction. Army-built steps led up to more buildings and tents belonging to sutlers. The building to the left of the stairs was the post office."
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Quartermaster Repair Shops".
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,164 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.