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

A Perfect Gibraltar

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 12, 2012

1. A Perfect Gibraltar Marker

Inscription. After the repulse of the Union Navy on May 15, 1862, Drewry’s Bluff became famous as a tangible symbol of Confederate resistance. Work crews made up of impressed slave labor continued construction of the fort, eventually completing a four-sided, enclosed earthwork bristling with guns.

This photograph, taken from the wall behind you, shows the section built after May 15. Following the war the bombproofs collapsed leaving deep impressions in the earth. Also note that the ground was completely open, allowing the fort’s defenders to see for miles. When orders came to evacuate Richmond, the Confederate garrison abandoned the fort and joined Lee’s army during its retreat to Appomattox. For many of them, their active service ended with capture at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, April 6, 1865.

Drewry’s Bluff did not remain vacant long. Union troops immediately took possession of the fort that for three years had barred their way to Richmond.

“Drury’s Bluff battery is a perfect Gibraltar and can never be taken by gunboats.”
Henry L. Graves, 2nd Georgia Battalion

Erected 2011 by Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1840.

Location.

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37° 25.314′ N, 77° 25.318′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. Marker can be reached from Fort Darling Road, half a mile north of Bellwood Road. This marker is located in the Drewry’s Bluff (Fort Darling) unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7600 Fort Darling Road, Richmond VA 23237, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Finishing Fort Drewry (here, next to this marker); Hot Shot and Wooden Ships (a few steps from this marker); The USS Monitor (within shouting distance of this marker); Drewry’s Bluff (within shouting distance of this marker); Duty Above and Beyond (within shouting distance of this marker); May 15, 1862—The Battle of Drewry's Bluff (within shouting distance of this marker); Covered Way (within shouting distance of this marker); "A Very Neat Chapel" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. Drewry’s Bluff. Richmond National Battlefield Park (Submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

2. Drewry’s Bluff. Civil War Richmond (Submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 12, 2012

2. A Perfect Gibraltar Marker

Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration of the Battle of Drewyry's Bluff torpedo exhibit.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 681 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 14, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.