Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Deep Bottom Landing
A Vital Link
As you watch boats being launched here today, imagine the challenge faced by Union engineers tasked with constructing a pontoon bridge at this site on June 20th, 1864. Under the cover of night, and without alerting nearby Confederate pickets, they floated 25 separate pontoons into place, lashed them together, and secured them against the current. Behind you, Union soldiers labored to set up a defensive line, allowing the engineers to finish their task by dawn. Work did not stop with the completion of the bridge. Continuous bailing and repairs were required to keep the bridge afloat and operational through the end of the war.
In an effort to draw Confederate troops away from the Petersburg defenses, General Winfield Scott Hancock's 2nd Corps crossed from the south bank of the James here in the early morning hours of July 27, 1864. Later that day, a few miles to the north they would engage at the first battle of Deep Bottom, a second in August would be equally unsuccessful. However, a third battle in September, spearheaded by two bridges of United States Colored Troops (USCT), resulted in the capture of New Market Heights.
[Sidebar:]
During the war, photographers took several pictures of the bridge which crossed the James River here. Can you recreate this photo? Stand in their footsteps and show us on Instagram.
#MyViewHRP #civilwartrails #henricoparks #openairmuseum
Erected by Virginia
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 20, 1864.
Location. 37° 24.447′ N, 77° 18.315′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It is on Deep Bottom Road east of James Street, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9520 Deep Bottom Rd, Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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 2 miles
Other markers no longer nearby. Deep Bottom Park (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Deep Bottom Landing (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 466 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 18, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
