Charles City in Charles City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Willie Johnston

Photographed By Don Morfe, June 23, 2012

1. Willie Johnston Marker

Inscription. At Harrison's Landing on July 4th, 1862, Willie Johnston — age 11, 3rd Vermont drummer boy played for Div. Review. For keeping his drum during the arduous 7 days battles, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by Sec. of War Stanton. He remains the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor. His gravesite is unknown.

Erected 2012 by The Vermont Civil War Hemlocks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1862.

Location. 37° 19.094′ N, 77° 10.761′ W. Marker is in Charles City, Virginia, in Charles City County. Marker can be reached from Harrison Landing Road, 0.7 miles south of Westover Road (Virginia Route 633), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charles City VA 23030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lane to Site of First Thanksgiving (within shouting distance of this marker); Berkeley and Harrison's Landing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cannon Ball (about 400 feet away); First Official Thanksgiving (about 600 feet away); Origin of Taps

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Benjamin Harrison (approx. ¼ mile away); Capt. John Woodliffe (approx. 0.3 miles away); Herring Creek (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charles City.

Additional keywords. child soldiers

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, April 6, 2023

2. Willie Johnston Marker

Marker is flush with the ground. St. James River in background.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2021, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 18, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on May 13, 2023, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Verification of the exact marker location. • Can you help?