Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Peninsula Campaign

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008

1. Peninsula Campaign Marker

Inscription. During the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, both Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and Union Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan had their armies west toward Richmond on this road. Johnston evacuated Yorktown on 3-4 May and withdrew up the Peninsula, with McClellan in pursuit. On 5 May, two Federal divisions clashed with the Confederate rear guard east of Williamsburg in a bloody but indecisive battle. Johnston’s army continued its march west and on 6-7 May eluded McClellan’s forces at Etham’s Landing on the York River opposite West Point. By mid-month the Confederates were secure behind the Richmond defenses.

Erected 1998 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-37.)

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 year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 37° 15.853′ N, 76° 40.728′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It is at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (U.S. 60) and Avon Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Pocahontas

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Trail. The marker is in front of the Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Battle of Williamsburg (a few steps from this marker); Quarterpath Road (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Fort Magruder (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Williamsburg (approx. 0.4 miles away); Redoubt 2 (approx. half a mile

Williamsburg Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008

2. Williamsburg Marker

away); a different marker also named Battle of Williamsburg (approx. half a mile away); Vineyard Tract (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fort Magruder (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Battle of Williamsburg (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Magruder’s Defenses (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Vineyard Tract (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . The Peninsula Campaign of 1862. (Submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008

3. Peninsula Campaign Marker

The marker is located several miles south of Colonial Williamsburg.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 28, 2019

4. Peninsula Campaign Marker

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 28, 2019

5. Peninsula Campaign Marker

Remains of Fort Magruder image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 10, 2008

6. Remains of Fort Magruder

These earthworks, used during the Peninsula Campaign, are located a short distance from the marker on the grounds of the Fort Magruder Hotel.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,812 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on February 27, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 6. submitted on August 10, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.