Guarding the River

Fort Brady – 1864

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007

1. Guarding the River Marker

Inscription. After capturing Fort Harrison in September 1864, Federal troops built Fort Brady as a defensive post on the James River.

In January 1865, Confederate ships attempted to threaten the Federal supply base downriver at City Point. Passing Fort Brady in darkness, the ships returned Union fire, disabled a large Parrot rifle, killed three Union artillerists, and wounded many in the fort. The foray, known as the battle of Trent’s Reach, ended in failure when the Confederate ironclads ran ito artillery fire and low water south of Fort Brady.

Erected by Richmond National Battlefield Park - National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1865.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 23.476′ N, 77° 21.693′ W. Marker was near Henrico, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker could be reached from Hoke Brady Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in the Fort Brady Unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Henrico VA 23231, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Guarding the James (here, next to this marker); Guns of Fort Brady

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(a few steps from this marker); Powder Magazine (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Powder Magazine (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Trent's Reach (a few steps from this marker); Union Defensive Lines (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Brady Trail (about 400 feet away); Fort Brady (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henrico.

More about this marker. The marker features a photograph of “The ironclad C.S.S. Richmond [which] was part of the Confederate expedition to Trent’s Reach.”

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "Guarding the James".

Also see . . . Battlefield Tour - Ft Gilmer to Ft Brady. Richmond National Battlefield Park website. (Submitted on January 20, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Marker in Fort Brady image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007

2. Marker in Fort Brady

The marker can be seen here inside Fort Brady on the right of the photo. A break in the fortifications to the left leads to an overlook of the James River.

Inside Fort Brady image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007

3. Inside Fort Brady

Marker is located along a walking trail of Fort Brady on the James River.

Richmond National Battlefield Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007

4. Richmond National Battlefield Park

Marker is in the Fort Brady Unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 860 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 20, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.