Smithfield in Isle of Wight County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Historic James and its Tributaries

— Historic Fort Boykin —

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 5, 2024

1. The Historic James and its Tributaries Marker

Inscription. This stretch of the James River and its tributaries is a prime example of an historic cultural landscape showing the intersection between people and nature. The rivers were home to American Indians long before the arrival of Europeans. This area served as the cradle of the first successful English settlement in North America, as the place of initial long-term interactions between American Indians and English, and as the center point for Captain John Smith's explorations of the Chesapeake Bay. The rivers continue to play an important role in our nation by showcasing historic sites in a riverine environment to be enjoyed by all who visit.

The Rocks
The fort is located on land originally patented to Edward Bennett in 1621. Along with other sites, Bennett's Plantation, or Bennett's Welcome, was described as a "verie fruitful and pleasant" seat. By 1863, the land was known as The Rocks, referring to the great rocks along the shoreline.

(captions)
Between the shore and river channel in this area were hundreds of acres of natural oyster rocks as illustrated in this 1892 map. (Courtesy of NOAA's Office of Coast Survey Historical Map & Chart Collection)

A c.1861 map illustrates the fertile land around the fort. (Courtesy of Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division)

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Erected by Isle of Wight County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Forts and Castles • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1621.

Location. 37° 2.101′ N, 76° 37.195′ W. Marker is in Smithfield, Virginia, in Isle of Wight County. It can be reached from the intersection of Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) and Morgarts Beach Road ( Route 673), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7410 Fort Boykin Trail, Smithfield VA 23430, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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: Fort Boykin during the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Eustis Attacks Fort Boykin (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Boykin Memorial (about 500 feet away); The Fort's Last Private Owners (about 600 feet away); The Well (about 600 feet away); Fort Boykin (about 800 feet away); Welcome to Fort Boykin (about 800 feet away); Welcome to Fort Boykin Historic Park (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 5, 2024

2. The Historic James and its Tributaries Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 301 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.