A Perfect Gibraltar - Richmond VA - American Civil War Monuments and Memorials on Waymarking.com

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A Perfect Gibraltar-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

LOCATION: 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.
Postal address: 7600 Fort Darling Road, Richmond VA 23237

Name of Government Entity or Private Organization that built the monument: National Park Service Union, Confederate or Other Monument: Confederate Rating (1-5): Related Website: [Web Link] Photo or photos will be uploaded.: yes Date Installed or Dedicated: Not listed

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   03/10/2024 Don.Morfe visited it