Fort Powhatan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Powhatan |
|
|---|---|
| Windmill Hill, Garysville, Prince George County, Virginia | |
Plan of Fort Powhatan in 1819
|
|
 Fort Powhatan
Fort Powhatan
|
|
| Coordinates | 37°16′12″N 77°04′39″W / 37.27000°N 77.07750°W |
| Type | Masonry fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Private |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Condition | Portions remain |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1776 (2-gun battery) 1781 (earthwork fort) 1808–1812 (masonry fort) 1862 (earthwork added) |
| Built by | Patriot forces United States Army Corps of Engineers Confederate forces |
| In use | 1779–1783 1814–1830 1862–1865 |
| Materials | Brick, earth |
| Battles/wars | American Revolution War of 1812 American Civil War |
Fort Powhatan was an important fort in Virginia. It was built to protect the James River. This river was a key route to Richmond, the state capital. The fort was located on Windmill Hill. This spot was perfect for stopping enemy ships.
The fort was named after the Powhatan tribe. These were indigenous people who lived in the area. The name also refers to their leader. Fort Powhatan played a role in three major American wars. These were the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War.
Contents
Fort Powhatan: A Revolutionary War Defense
During the American Revolutionary War, Virginia needed stronger defenses. In May 1779, British forces attacked the Chesapeake Bay area. To protect against this, Hood's Battery was built. This was a small fort with two guns. It was located on the James River.
In January 1781, British forces attacked. Their leader was Benedict Arnold. They captured Hood's Battery on their way to burn Richmond. They also dismantled it on their way back. Later that year, a bigger fort was built. It was called Fort Hood. This fort had eight heavy guns. It also had smaller guns for land defense. It was never attacked after it was rebuilt.
Fort Powhatan: Defending the Coast in the 1800s
In 1808, the U.S. government built a new fort. It was on the same spot as Fort Hood. This new fort was made of masonry (stone and brick). It was part of a plan to protect the American coast. This plan was called the "second system of US fortifications."
The new fort was named Fort Powhatan. It was designed to hold 13 guns. It also had a blockhouse and a water battery. A water battery is a gun position close to the river. The fort was not fully finished until 1812. It was armed when the War of 1812 began. By 1814, it had 22 cannons. However, Fort Powhatan was not attacked during this war. By 1830, it was no longer used.
Fort Powhatan: During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Fort Powhatan became important again. In 1862, Confederate soldiers built a new battery. This was on the bluff above the old fort. In 1863, Union forces captured this battery.
In 1864, U.S. Colored Troops were stationed there. They successfully fought off a Confederate cavalry attack. This attack was led by Fitzhugh Lee. After the war ended in 1865, the fort was abandoned.
Fort Powhatan: Today
Today, Fort Powhatan is on private land. It belongs to a gun club. You can still see parts of the old fort. The brick magazines (where ammunition was stored) are still there. The water battery and the Civil War battery also remain. A historical marker nearby tells about the fort's history.
