Fort Pocahontas “Action at Wilson’s Warf” Annual Reenactment – June 7 & 8
“Action at Wilson’s Warf” at Fort Pocahontas on the James River
Action at Wilson’s Wharf – Civil War Reenactment
Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fort Pocahontas, Charles City, Virginia
Ticket Info: $10 per adult/$8 children
No advanced sales. Cash and checks accepted at gate.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 161st Anniversary of the first USCT victory in Virginia during the Civil War.
- Daily battles recreating this fight for freedom.
- Speakers discussing the role of USCTs, the battle, soldier’s life, and the history of
the fort. - Civil War camps
- Artillery demonstrations
- Civil War Torpedo demonstration
- Medical triage demonstration
Step Back in Time at Fort Pocahontas!
Every June, history comes alive at Fort Pocahontas with an action-packed Civil War reenactment celebrating the 1864 victory of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) at Wilson’s Wharf. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the past with dramatic portrayals by cavalry, artillery, infantry, and civilian reenactors. Period tunes fill the air thanks to the toe-tapping HarkenBack String Band, while sutlers peddle replica wares just like in the 1860s. Craving a bite? Dominion Dogs Food Truck has you covered. (Sorry, no pets allowed.)
Originally built in 1864 by USCT soldiers under the command of General Edward A. Wild, Fort Pocahontas played a crucial role in repelling a Confederate cavalry attack led by General Fitzhugh Lee on May 24 of that year. Nearly lost to time, the site was rediscovered in the 1990s by historian Ed Besch, who rallied support to save the fort from development. With the help of Harrison Ruffin Tyler—yes, the grandson of President John Tyler—historic markers were added to honor the bravery and legacy of the troops who fought there.
Today, thanks to the efforts of Fort Pocahontas LTD., a dedicated non-profit, this hidden gem is preserved and brought to life once a year during the annual reenactment. While the fort isn’t open to the public year-round, this special event offers a rare chance to walk through history and honor the heroes who shaped it.
Learn more: http://www.fortpocahontas.org/
Fort Pocahontas
13150 Sturgeon Point Road
Charles City, Virginia 23030
More about Fort Pocahontas:
The 1864 earthen fort was built and manned by United States Colored Troops (USCTs) under
the direct command of Major General Benjamin Butler and Brigadier General Edward Augustus Wild.
Captain A. R. Arter, a Union soldier at Fort Pocahontas in 1864, described in a letter that the
fortification was “one of the best arranged breastworks I have seen.” The 1864 Action at Wilson’s Wharf
resulted in a decisive victory for outnumbered USCTs over more than 2,500 attacking Confederate
cavalry led by Major General Fitzhugh Lee, Robert E. Lee’s nephew.
Military historian Ed Besch brought the history and importance of the site to the attention of
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, grandson of U.S. President John Tyler, who grew up nearby. Mr. Tyler
purchased the property in the 1990s and undertook a restoration project. He had historical markers
erected along Route 5, and in 1997 started the reenactment, held annually around the anniversary of the
battle to commemorate this important victory for USCTs.
The Delk/Binford House, an 18th century structure moved from Ivor, Virginia, contains
archeological artifacts unearthed by The College of William and Mary, during five summers of digs.
The oldest artifacts from the site date to the area’s earliest inhabitants, the Native Americans. The deep-
water port, known as Wilson’s Wharf, was used during the 18 th century for shipping tobacco and during
the 19th century for passengers traveling on the ferry boat Pocahontas.
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