New Kent in New Kent County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Camp Cumberland

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Camp Cumberland Marker

Inscription. A Union officer, probably Francis C. Adams, described the military whirlwind at Cumberland as General George B. McClellan prepared his forces to attack Richmond. For hours, men, horses, and artillery poured down Cumberland House's hilltop perch, assembling as far as the eye could see. The Union divisions formed three grand and imposing columns, each appointed with colorful banners. To the east, the bend in the Pamunkey River swelled with gunboats and transports readying for action. Messengers galloped to and from camp with reports of early skirmishes. Adams added that, "Cumberland had never seen such a sight before, and the negroes ran out and shouted for joy.

Erected by New Kent Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 37° 32.468′ N, 76° 58.756′ W. Marker is in New Kent, Virginia, in New Kent County. It is on Cumberland Road 2 miles north of New Kent Highway (Virginia Route 249), on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at the entrance to Cumberland Estate.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9007 Cumberland Road, New Kent VA 23124, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Henry Armistead (here, next to this marker); Liberation at Cumberland (here, next to this marker); Earliest History of Cumberland Plantation (here, next to this marker); Cumberland House During the Civil War (a few steps from this marker); A River in View (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Harriet Tubman (about 700 feet away); Cumberland Town (approx. 0.3 miles away);

Camp Cumberland Marker (right) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Camp Cumberland Marker (right)

French Cannon at Cumberland Landing (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Kent.

Also see . . .
1. McClellan’s Camp at Cumberland Landing. (Submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Cumberland: A Historical Legacy. (Submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
3. Cumberland a House with History. (Submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Panoramic views of encampment of Army of Potomac at Cumberland Landing on Pamunkey River image. Click for full size.

May 1862

3. Panoramic views of encampment of Army of Potomac at Cumberland Landing on Pamunkey River

Library of Congress (LC-USZC6-51)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 288 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 25, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 3. submitted on February 25, 2025. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.