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.
Peninsula Campaign. . 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.
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 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. Marker is at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (U.S. 60) and Avon Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Pocahontas 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.
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
2. Williamsburg Marker
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
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 1,457 times since then and 11 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.