Fort Henry (Virginia) facts for kids

Fort Henry was an important English fort in 17th century colonial Virginia. It was built near the Appomattox River in what is now Petersburg. This fort helped mark the border between the English settlers and Native American tribes.

Fort Henry: A Frontier Outpost

Where Was Fort Henry?

The exact spot of Fort Henry has been discussed for many years. But the most likely place is on a hill in Petersburg. It's not far from the corner of W. Washington and N. South Streets. A special sign, called Virginia Historical Marker QA-6, marks this spot.

Why Was Fort Henry Built?

Fort Henry was built in 1645. The House of Burgesses, which was like the government of colonial Virginia, ordered it. The fort was very important after the Second Anglo-Powhatan War in 1646. It helped set the border between the English settlers and the Native American tribes.

The fort was located where the flat coastal land met the higher Piedmont region. This area was also near the Appomattoc Native American tribe.

A Special Border Crossing

From 1646 until about 1691, Fort Henry was a unique place. It was the only spot in Virginia where Native Americans were officially allowed to cross into English territory. It was also the only place where white settlers could cross into Native American lands. This made it a key point for trade and communication.

Fort Wood and Its Commanders

Later on, Fort Henry also became known as Fort Wood. This was named after its first commander, Abraham Wood. He was in charge of the fort from 1646 to 1675. Abraham Wood used the fort as a starting point for many trips to explore the surrounding areas.

In 1675, Abraham Wood's son-in-law, Peter Jones, took over command of the fort. He also managed the nearby trading post. This trading post became known as "Peter's Point." Over time, more trade and settlements grew around this spot. Eventually, the city of Petersburg developed there. The original fort itself slowly fell apart over time.

Another Fort Henry

It's good to know that there was an earlier Fort Henry in the Virginia colony. This first fort was much smaller and built in 1610 by Thomas Gates. It was located in what is now Hampton. But this earlier fort was no longer in use by the time the Fort Henry near the Appomattox River was built.