Military History » The Civil War- Bermuda Hundred Campaign Sites

In early May 1864, Union Gen. Benjamin Butler landed his Army of the James in Chesterfield County, between Richmond and Petersburg, and threatened both cities in his drive west from landings between the James and Appomattox Rivers. Confederates under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard blocked him. Within weeks, Butler was trapped between the two rivers and remained there until Petersburg was evacuated in April 1865.

The fort at Drewry's Bluff was built in the spring of 1862 to defend the James River against the Union navy. It now is part of Richmond National Battlefield Park. 7600 Fort Darling Road, 804-226-1981, Open from sunrise to sunset.

Confederate forces conter-attacked from Fort Stevens during the Second Battle of Drewry's Bluff on May 16, 1864, in what became the turning point of the Campaign. 8900 Pams Avenue 804-751-4664. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Battery Dantzler was constructed at the northern end of the Howlett Line in May 1864 to stop Union naval forces from advancing up the James River. Union forces tried to evade the battery by digging Dutch Gap Canal. 804-751-4664. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Union troops began digging the Dutch Gap Canal in 1864 to bypass a bend in the James River dominated by Confederate forts. The effort failed, but the canal was later completed and now is the main channel of the James River. Henricus Historical Park, 804-706-1340.

About 30,000 men under the command of Gen. Benjamin Butler landed at Bermuda Hundred on May 5, 1864, and spent 15 days trying to capture Petersburg and Richmond. Take Rt. 10 to Allied Road, turn right to the James River.

Point of Rocks anchored the Union line on the Appomattox River. The site included a supply depot, hospital, and circular cemetery. Take Rt. 10 to Enon Church Road 804-0748-1623.

The Howlett Line was established here and continued to the James River. Confederate earthworks were a major deterrent to the Union forces during the last year of the Civil War.

Fort Wead was constructed in June 1864 at the rear of the Union lines in an effort to keep Confederate forces from advancing in the event the lines were captured. It wa never used for this purpose. 1107 Greyledge Blvd. 804-751-4664. Open from sunrise to sunset.

Parker's Battery, now a Richmond National Battlefield Park site, was part of the Confederate defense line that trapped Butler in 1864-65. 1801 Ware Bottom Spring Road. 804-226-1981.

During the retreat from Petersburg, Gen. Robert E. Lee and the bulk of his army crossed the Appomattox River into Chesterfield County. Lee’s army marched through the village of Ettrick and proceeded west along  River Road and Hickory Road. During the retreat, Lee was served lunch by Cloverhill Plantation owner, Judge Cox, as recorded by the judge's daughter, Kate Cox Logan, in her book, "My Confederate Girlhood."(Private residence: not open to the public.) Lee and his army crossed the Appomattox River into Amelia County at Goode’s Bridge, just upriver from where  Hull Street Road (Route 360) crosses today.

The Chesterfield Museum displays many artifacts from the Civil War. The museum, located at Iron Bridge Road, is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, by appointment. Tours begin at Magnolia Grange and are available with admission fee. 804-777-9663.

Printed by the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia. 12/29/05
Photos Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA