Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Naval Assault at Drewry’s Bluff

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 21, 2009

1. Naval Assault at Drewry’s Bluff Marker

Inscription. On May 15, 1862 a small federal fleet including the ironclads, the Monitor, the Galena, and three wooden war ships sailed up the James River to try to enter the Confederate capital at Richmond. Their efforts were blocked at Drewry’s Bluff by Confederates with heavy sea coast guns and a channel loaded with sunken vessels. Neither Union ship could elevate its guns to damage Confederates on the high bluff. The Galena received extensive damage during the four hour battle. Two members of the US Naval crew and one US Marine received the Medal of Honor for Valor due to their bravery under fire. The defenders at Drewry’s Bluff saved Richmond from attack by water for the duration of the Civil War.

Erected 2005 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-24.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1862.

Location. 37° 24.076′ N, 77° 23.191′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. It can be reached from Osborne Turnpike 0.3 miles north of Kingsland Road, on the right when traveling south. This marker is on the river bank at Osborne Park & Boat Landing. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9680 Osborne Turnpike, 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

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of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Osborne Landing (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Osborne Landing (here, next to this marker); Curvy Course (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Hoke: Empty Victory (approx. 1.2 miles away); Guns of Fort Brady (approx. 1½ miles away); Powder Magazine (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named Powder Magazine (approx. 1½ miles away); Guarding the James (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. Empty Victory (was approx. 1.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Inside Fort Brady (was approx. 1½ miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Guarding the River (was approx. 1½ miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 21, 2009

2. Naval Assault at Drewry’s Bluff Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,227 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on October 20, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.