CHARLES CITY — Reenactors will commemorate the 161st anniversary of the United States Colored Troops’ first victory in Virginia during the Civil War at Wilson’s Wharf June 7-8 at Fort Pocahontas in Charles City.
The annual event — Action at Wilson’s Wharf — will include cavalry, artillery, infantry and civilian impressions. The HarkenBack String Band will provide period music and sutlers will be selling replica goods. Dominion Dogs will also be on-site.
Fort Pocahontas is an earthwork fort constructed in 1864 by United States Colored Troops under the command of Gen. Edward A. Wild. On May 24, 1864, these men successfully defended the fort from attacking Confederate cavalry under Gen. Fitzhugh Lee.
According to Fort Pocahontas, the location was rediscovered in the 1990s by the late historian Ed Besch. After learning that the fort might be destroyed by development, Besch enlisted the assistance of Harrison Ruffin Tyler, grandson of President John Tyler, to save it. To reconnect the history of the fort with the modern-day property, Tyler erected historic markers telling the story of these men.
Every June, Fort Pocahontas commemorates this important victory with a Civil War reenactment. Fort Pocahontas LTD., a nonprofit organization formed to oversee care of the historic site, organizes the annual reenactment on the site, which is not otherwise open to the public.
Highlights include:
- 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
The Action at Wilson’s Wharf — Civil War Reenactment will take place Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Pocahontas, 13510 Sturgeon Point Road in Charles City. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. The are no advanced sales, and cash and checks will be accepted at the gate.No pets are allowed. For more information, visit fortpocahontas.org.
