Williamsburg, once the capital of Virginia, declined after the American Revolution. By 1861, although many colonial structures still lined the streets, the Governors Palace and former capitol building lay in ruins. The College of William and Mary . . . — — Map (db m171657) HM
When Virginia seceded on April 17, 1861, Union and Confederate leaders alike saw the Peninsula as an avenue of attack against Richmond. Federal ships on the James and York rivers could guard an armys flanks and escort supply vessels upstream. Fort . . . — — Map (db m77989) HM
Because Lt. Col. Benjamin S. Ewell had made little progress on the Williamsburg defenses by late June 1861, Gen. John B. Magruder, commanding the Army of the Peninsula, replaced him with Gen. Lafayette McLaws. Capt. Alfred L. Rives, acting chief of . . . — — Map (db m171658) HM
On the other side of the parapet is Quarterpath Road, a historic roadbed that for centuries linked Williamsburg to Allens Wharf on the James River. It runs behind the Confederate fortifications here, gaining additional importance during the Battle . . . — — Map (db m184202) HM
As the May 5, 1862, Battle of Williamsburg raged along the Bloody Ravine and in front of Fort Magruder, the Union commander sought to turn the flank of the Confederate defenses. Gen. Joseph Hooker was convinced that the right flank was unoccupied . . . — — Map (db m77991) HM
