Near Smithfield in Isle of Wight County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Huger
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 2, 2009
1. Fort Huger Marker
One mile northeast, at Hardy’s Bluff on Lawne’s Neck, existed Fort Huger, a Civil War earthen fortification. Virginia State Engineer Col. Andrew Talcott authorized this and other forts to block any Union naval advance up the James River to Richmond. Beginning in July 1861, enslaved and freed blacks assisted in the construction of Fort Huger. It formed the right riverine flank of Confederate Gen. John B. Magruder’s Peninsula defenses in 1862. Union gunboats engaged Fort Huger on 8 May 1862 and USS Monitor shelled it on the 12th. After several bombardments, Confederate forces abandoned it by 19 May.Erected 2006 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-327.)
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 date for this entry is May 8, 1862.
Location. 37° 4.603′ N, 76° 41.045′ W. Marker is near Smithfield, Virginia, in Isle of Wight County. Marker is at the intersection of Fort Huger Drive
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Surry County / Isle of Wight County (approx. half a mile away); Old Town (approx. 1˝ miles away); Poole’s Funeral Home (approx. 1˝ miles away); Lawne’s Creek Church (approx. 2.4 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Huger (approx. 2.7 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Huger (approx. 2.7 miles away); Wrenn’s Mill (approx. 3.1 miles away); Bacon’s Castle (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.
Also see . . . Smithfield, Isle of Wight Convention & Visitors Bureau. Historic Fort Huger - Isle of Wight County's Newest Civil War Attraction. (Submitted on May 4, 2009.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 2, 2009
2. Fort Huger Road (facing north).
Photographed By Bernard Fisher
3. Fort Huger North Bastion.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,439 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 5, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
