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.
Camp Eustis Attacks Fort Boykin. . 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
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. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Fort Boykin Trail (Virginia Route 705) and Morgarts Beach Road (Virginia 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Boykin Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Well
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 48 times since then. 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.
