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Dedication of Historic Fort Huger - May 8, 2008
Isle of Wight County's Newest Civil War Attraction !
Fort Huger is a newly-restored strategic Civil War Fort located on a bluff overlooking the James River in Isle of Wight County. This fort, along with Fort Boykins, also located in Isle of Wight, was established to block the approach by land and river to the Confederate Capital in Richmond.
On May 8, 1862, Abraham Lincoln traveled south to Hampton Roads and ordered the first recorded assault on this fort by the Union ships the USS Naugatuck and the famed USS Monitor.
On May 8, 146 years later, over 150 people braved the cloudy skies to celebrate the dedication of Isle of Wight County's newest historic attraction. The ceremony included official statements by local dignitaries and historian, John Quarstein, a color guard presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Smithfield Post 8545, as well as music by violinist Karen Stowe and period music by Bob Zentz.
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Stan Clark delighted the crowd by announcing that the county had just received notice from the National Park Service that the fort is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Chairman Clark also recognized the invaluable dedication and commitment of the many volunteers who worked to bring this significant historic project to fruition.
The ceremony ended with a three-gun salute by Stribblings Battery and was followed by a lovely catered reception. General Robert E. Lee (presented by reenactor David Palmer) was on hand to entertain visitors and two of General Huger's descendants, Benjamin Huger and his aunt Penny Huger, traveled from North Carolina to join in the momentous day.
Further information on the history of Fort Huger and a map to the site can be found at the Smithfield & Isle of Wight Visitors Center located at 335 Main Street in Historic Downtown Smithfield
1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry Unit
from Flagstaff, Arizona
visits Fort Huger in April of 2008
These living historians were visiting Isle of Wight for the reenactment of the Battle of Chancellorsville. While here, they stopped by Fort Huger and were photographed by local photographer David Sawyer (757-357-4428). For more photos visit their website at: 1st Virginia Volunteer Infantry Unit, Flagstaff, Arizona
Video of General Robert E. Lee explaining the General's involvement at Fort Huger.
(portrayed by reenactor David Palmer)
Fort Huger is located off Rt. 10 at 15080 Talcott Terrace & is open daily 8:00 a.m. - dusk.
For further information on Fort Huger you can also call the department of Historic Resources at (757) 357-0115.
