Near Columbia in Fluvanna County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Point of Fork

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 6, 2010

1. Point of Fork Marker

Inscription. Here was an important supply depot and arsenal of the Virginia government in 1781, and here Baron von Steuben, commanding the American forces, trained recruits for Green's army in the South. Threatened by Cornwallis's approach, Steuben moved stores across James River. On June 4, 1781, Colonel Simcoe, with his cavalry, made Steuben believe that the whole British army was at hand. Steuben retreated, leaving stores to be destroyed.

Erected 1931 by Conservation & Development Commission. (Marker Number GA-32.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 4, 1781.

Location. 37° 45.756′ N, 78° 10.818′ W. Marker is near Columbia, Virginia, in Fluvanna County. It is on East River Road (Virginia Route 6) 0.9 miles east of Bremo Road ( Route 656), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia VA 23038, 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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Rassawek (a few steps from this marker); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Point of Fork

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(approx. 1.6 miles away); a different marker also named Point of Fork (approx. 3.3 miles away); Fluvanna County World War Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); Second Century Guarantors (approx. 4½ miles away); World War I Field Gun (approx. 4½ miles away); Fork Union Academy (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

E River Rd (facing west) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 6, 2010

2. E River Rd (facing west)

Photographed by J. J. Prats, October 22, 2010

3. Point of Fork Marker

Point of Fork image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 2, 2026

4. Point of Fork

The point itself. The arsenal was apparently up the fork on higher ground on the west bank of the Rivanna River (branching to the right).

Credits. This page was last revised on January 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,741 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on October 23, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on January 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.