Near Richmond in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

May 15, 1862—The Battle of Drewry's Bluff

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 17, 2010

1. May 15, 1862—The Battle of Drewry's Bluff Marker

Inscription. When Federal gunboats rounded the distant bend in the James, they entered a shooting gallery. Confederate soldiers and Marines along the riverbanks raked the decks with musket fire. Confederate guns here in the fort opened fire. The river obstructions, consisting of sunken ships and stone cribs, worked as planned—the USS Galena could not drive through them, so it swung broadside in the channel in order to fire its guns at the bluff.

For four hours, the Galena and her crew absorbed a relentless pounding from the Confederate gunners before retreating downriver. Of the 164 officers and men aboard, 27 fell killed or wounded. Southern forces suffered 15 casualties. The first attempt to take Richmond by river failed, and never again would the U.S. Navy challenge the guns of Drewry’s Bluff.

“The batteries on the Rebel side were beautifully served and put their shots through our side with great precision … The Galena did most of the fighting—her sides look as though she had an attack of smallpox.”
Commander John Rodgers, USS Galena

Erected 2010 by Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels.

Location.

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37° 25.328′ N, 77° 25.3′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. Marker can be reached from Fort Darling Road, half a mile north of Bellwood Road. This marker is located in the Drewry’s Bluff (Fort Darling) unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7600 Fort Darling Road, Richmond VA 23237, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Duty Above and Beyond (here, next to this marker); Drewry’s Bluff (a few steps from this marker); The USS Monitor (a few steps from this marker); Finishing Fort Drewry (within shouting distance of this marker); A Perfect Gibraltar (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Shot and Wooden Ships (within shouting distance of this marker); "A Very Neat Chapel" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Marine Medal of Honor (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

More about this marker. On the right is a painting of the Battle of Drewry's Bluff.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Battle of Drewry’s Bluff".

Also see . . .
1. Drewry's Bluff. Richmond National Battlefield Park (Submitted on October 18, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

The Battle of Drewry's Bluff image. Click for full size.

October 17, 2010

2. The Battle of Drewry's Bluff

2. Drewry’s Bluff. Civil War Richmond (Submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Drewry's Bluff overlooking the James River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 17, 2010

3. Drewry's Bluff overlooking the James River

The Union flotilla was positioned near the modern buoy.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,485 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.