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

Camp Eustis Attacks Fort Boykin

— Historic Fort Boykin —

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 5, 2024

1. Camp Eustis Attacks Fort Boykin Marker

Inscription. In 1908, Herbert and Mary Greer purchased the fort and turned it into a place of beauty with flowers, shrubbery, a large formal flower garden and a wildflower garden. In 1918, Mrs. Greer was outside tending to her roses and honeysuckle when two shells from a 155mm coast artillery gun whizzed overhead. She alerted Camp Eustis, now Fort Eustis, which is located just across the James River. The U.S. Army had been diligent to clear the river of boats and bathers before their exercise but had forgotten that shells and stones can skip across water when fired at an appropriate angle.

(caption) Postcard, 155mm coast defense guns

Erected by Isle of Wight County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.

Location. 37° 2.059′ N, 76° 37.103′ 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 Memorial (here, next to this marker);

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The Well (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort's Last Private Owners (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Boykin (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fort Boykin (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Fort Boykin Historic Park (about 300 feet away); Fort Boykin during the Civil War (about 400 feet away); The Historic James and its Tributaries (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Boykin Historic Park (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Fort Boykin. Isle of Wight County Museum (Submitted on April 6, 2024.)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, April 5, 2024

2. Camp Eustis Attacks Fort Boykin 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 331 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 5, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 6, 2024, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.