APRIL 2011
For the local community and visitors to Williamsburg, Virginia
Bob Ruegsegger Historic Jamestowne as viewed from the James River. The church tower and 1907 Jamestown Monument are prominent marks for mariners.
Jamestown was a strategic Civil War site By Bob Ruegsegger
O
ne hundred fifty years ago this month, after Virginia had seceded from the Union, the recently established Confederate government decided to make Richmond its new capital. Geographically speaking, the James River pointed like an arrow to the heart of the fledgling republic. It didn't require a military genius to recognize the critical importance of blocking and defending this direct water route to the Confederate capital. Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English colony in 1607, was among the many strategic locations along the river that Confederate forces chose to construct earthwork fortifications and install heavy artillery batteries to prevent Union vessels from passing through the waterway to Richmond. "Jamestown strategic because of the way the island jutted out into the river," explained David Riggs, author of “Embattled Shrine: Jamestown in the Civil War”. "The river narrowed at Jamestown. The distance across the river was reduced from several miles to a little over one mile," he noted. "It made it easier to fire at any boats that would be trying to go up and down the river." William Allen, among the wealthiest men in Virginia, owned Jamestown Island. He resided at Claremont in Surry County upriver from Jamestown. The island was only one of his many agricultural properties. Kingsmill, Powhatan Creek, Littletown, and Neck of Land were also owned by Allen. In April 1861, not long after Virginia's secession, now Captain Allen arrived with the Brandon Heavy Artillery to take charge of the island and construct defensive works. "William Allen was a militia officer prior to this so he had some training and awareness. He was fortunate because he chose the right location. ," Riggs said. "Allen even spent his own money on the project. He equipped the Brandon Artillery,which became the Jamestown Heavy Artillery at his own expense. In 1862 he further financed raising additional troops and used his own slave labor in the construction of the earthworks. Col. Andrew Talcott confirmed Allen's judgment and selected
Jamestown Island as one of the best to play a role in the development of defensive sites on the river. Talcott, the CSS Virginia. "Jones eventually a veteran of the Army Corps of Engi- took the role of second in command neers, designed an 18 gun battery to [executive officer] on the Virginia. be conThe Merrimack was structed in the original Union vesthe shadow sel that was transof the old formed into the church Virginia. tower on Jamestown's remote the west location provided a deVIRTUE • VALOR • SACRIFICE end of the gree of secrecy regardYorktown Peninsula Campaign island. The ing the Confederate Williamsburg site was navy's progress in the Battle of May 1862 called Fort development of armor Jamestown Vital link to Washington Pocahontas. for its ironclad vessel. West Point "Talcott Jones was ordered to And the Retreat was already the Navy Department Comming May 4th in established in Richmond to test The Virginia Gazette as a major the guns for the ironfigure in the U.S. Army as an engiclad. When the CSS Virginia battled neering officer," observed Riggs. "It the USS Monitor, Jones commanded was Talcott who came very early to the Confederate warship. Jamestown and agreed that it was While the Confederates occupied indeed a strong defensive point and needed major attention from the Confederate forces." Talcott left Capt. Edmond Trowbridge Dana Myers, an engineer, and Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones, a naval officer, to complete the construction of the fortifications. Naval officers, according to Virginia practice, were given command of river batteries because heavy guns matching those used on warships would be installed in the defensive works. Lt. Jones experiments with the Dahlgren gun and his experience with ordnance during his 25 years in the U.S. Navy more than qualified him to command the artillery batteries at Jamestown. In May 1861, a total of 12 guns Dahlgrens, Columbiads, and Navy 32-pdrs. had been installed at Fort Pocahontas. By June 1861, a total of 20 guns. including a pair of 12-pdrs., defended the James River from the island's fortifications Lt. Catesby Jones and Lt. John Brooke conducted live firing experiments using the heavy artillery on Jamestown Island to test armor plate for the ironclad CSS Virginia. "Catesby Jones was delighted to participate in [the armor plate tests] because he was really a naval officer at heart and hoped to resume naval activity, which he eventually did," Riggs said. "That was his chance
the island, six defensive works were constructed. Five protected artillery batteries and one for infantry. Fort Pocahontas was located on the western end of the island by the old church tower. The Sand Battery was situated midway down the island. A rectangular fortification on Passmore Creek dubbed the Square Redoubt occupied the center of the island. The three-sided Bridge Redan and Bridge Lunette safeguarded the causeway and bridge on the Back River. The redoubt at Black Point on the eastern end of the island was called Point of Island Battery. The Ambler House, now in ruins, served as William Allen's residence while he commanded the artillery at Jamestown. Allen entertained Confederate officers here at his residence in the evenings. The Brandon Artillery, Williamsburg Junior Guard, Greenville Guard, Charles City Southern Guards, Waddill's Battalion, Hanover Artillery, Bedford Light Artillery,
General John B. Magruder, protrayed here by an interprater, personally inspected the defenses at Jamestown. When Virginia seceded from the Union in April of 1861, Magruder resigned his commission the U.S. Army and volunteered for service with the Confederacy.
2 The Gazette Extra April 2011
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Point of Island Battery on the eastern end of Jamestown Island at Black Point.
10th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery, Cockade Mounted Battery, 14th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and 52nd Virginia Militia were among the Confederate units that served on the island before the Confederate army withdrew from Yorktown and abandoned Jamestown several days prior to the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. Following the Williamsburg struggle, Union cavalry arrived at Jamestown and made a quick inspection of the deserted batteries. The crew of the USS Aroostock destroyed ordnance, supplies, equipment, and guns that the Confederates had
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left when they hastily evacuated their earthen fortifications. Union telegraph lines soon connected Jamestown and Williamsburg to Fort Monroe and Washington. Telegraph lines were frequently cut by Confederates. Union patrols were ordered to keep the telegraph lines open. "McClellan used it as a link in going from Jamestown to Williamsburg and then down to Fort Monroe and Washington. It gave him communications three times a day during the Peninsula Campaign." A host of Union military units rotated on and off the island, among them the 1st New York Mounted Rifles, 1st U. S. Colored Cavalry, 76th Pennsylvania Infantry, 16th New York Heavy Artillery, 20th New York Cavalry, and 100th New York Infantry. When Confederate guerrillas kept disrupting the lines of communication, Union forces ran a 22-mile underwater cable from Jamestown to Fort Powhatan. "That was really a problem until Grant got it under control," Riggs observed. "That was quite an accomplishment back then. That shows what engineering feats could be accomplished." With the Union navy anchored off Jamestown, the island became a Union outpost and a staging area for the unrelenting assault on Richmond. At the end of the conflict, Jamestown became a designated site where former Confederates would take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Troopers with the 20th New York Cavalry adminis tered the loyalty pledge.
Bob Ruegsegger United States Colored Troops helped maintain telegraph lines.
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April 2011 The Gazette Extra 3
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with the shopping center,” he said. Stein Mart Store Manager Gail Harris it as a neighborhood shopping center and described her customers as friends. “We know them. We know their children and grandchildren. We know where they’re going on vacation,” she said. “We sometimes see the same people every day.” While it’s a place most frequented by locals, it is also a place where tourists can shop after visiting Colonial Williamsburg or eating dinner in a restaurant on Richmond Road. “A lot of girls traveling will shop here together in the evening,” Harris said. The shopping center has everything from a grocery store to a bike shop. Most of the businesses are locally owned and operated, making it a unique place to shop.
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Williamsburg Shopping Center opened in the 1950s and has seen many changes over the years. One thing that hasn’t changed is its hometown charm. Some business owners in the shopping center say its close proximity to the College of William and Mary, Colonial Williamsburg and Richmond Road makes it an ideal place to open a business. But its history and the memories associated with it are what make people come back. Barry Herneisey, one of the owners of Bikes Unlimited, said people have visited his bicycle shop and reminisced about how they used to get ice cream there. “There are a lot of fond memories associated
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10% OFF your meal Offer not valid with any other coupons, discounts or deliveries. One coupon per party. ABC not included. Good through May 6, 2011.
Waysto get there
4 The Gazette Extra April 2011
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Calendarof Events
APRIL 1 - MAY 15 James River Plantation Progressive Garden Week Tour. Two-hour progressive tour featuring interior visits to Piney Grove-1790, Ladysmith-1857 and Ashland-1835, as well as exterior visits to Dower Quarter-1830 and Duck Church-1917. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $20 fee. 804-829-2196; www.pineygrove.com. APRIL 1 - THANKSGIVING Watermen’s Museum, Yorktown. Tells the story of the maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay watermen. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Admission. 757-887-2641. APRIL 1 - DECEMBER The Gallery at York Hall Opens. Revolving exhibit of fine art in all media by local artists for display and sale. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Free. 757-890-4490. APRIL 2 - OCT. 29, SATURDAYS: Williamsburg Farmers Market. 8 a.m.-noon. Your favorite farmers and bakers return with eggs, root vegetables, cheese, potted tulips, mushrooms, winter greens, honey, seafood, pasture-raised meats. Musicians will perform and chefs will demonstrate at the Chefs Tent. APRIL 9 Star Party/Laser Nights. The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. State-of-the-art laser system splashes brilliant high-color LED laser light all across the surface of the museum dome. Music to suit every taste, different bands each month. Start the evening with a traditional planetarium program at 7:30 p.m. Lasers start at 8:30pm with a Family Fun Show, Hard Rock at 10 p.m., Pink Floyd at 11:30 p.m. Admission: $6/$10 double feature. 757595-1900, www.thevlm.org. APRIL 10 Easter/Spring Chocolate Fun for Children. This children's chocolate camp offers hands-on creative time. Activities include creating chocolates, crafts and other holiday goodies. $20/participant. For kids 5-13 at the Powhatan Secondary Clubhouse, 1-3 p.m. 757-258-5465. APRIL 10-11 Colonial Williamsburg 65th Annual Garden Symposium, Timeless Ideas for Today’s Gardens. Join Colonial Williamsburg gardeners and guest horticultural experts as they give practical tips on creating beautiful gardens that reduce maintenance yet benefit the environment. Admission. 800-HISTORY.
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APRIL 14 Shop and share event. Ocean Plams will host a fundraising event to benefit the Dream Catchers Foundation. 10% of sales will go directly to Dream Catchers, a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. The DCFs mission is to provide a comprehensive therapeutic program that addresses the behavioral, emotional and educational needs of foster youth. APRIL 15 - OCTOBER Schooner Alliance. Sail into history aboard Yorktown’s 105’ tall ship. Concessions available for purchase. Daily sails and sunset sails from Riverwalk Landing pier. Admission. Advanced reservations recommended. 800-9793370. APRIL 16, 17, 23 Spring native plant sale. The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. All the plants are high quality, nursery propagated native plant species, many of which are difficult to find in the commercial nursery trade. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays; noon-3 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 757-595-1900; www.thevlm.org. APRIL 16-24 Fee Free Days. The National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011. Locally, Colonial National Historical Park includes Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield. This week, enjoy free admission. 757-898-2410. APRIL 16-24 Garden Week at Shirley Plantation in Charles City. Celebrate the arrival of spring with a pleasant drive down Route 5 to Shirley Plantation. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: $11 for adults; $7.50 for youth 6-18, with discounts for AAA members, seniors and military. 804-829-5121; www.shirleyplantation.com. APRIL 19 Historic Garden Week. The Williamsburg Garden Club. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. This year's tour includes homes and gardens in Williamsburg's Historic Area and in Walnut Hills. Advance tickets are $25, full admission. Tickets purchased on tour day are $30 for full admission or $10 for single site admission. Box lunches will be served by advance reservation only. Prepared by the Chickahominy House, lunches will be available at the Bruton Parish Church Parish House 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for $15. Contact Cathy Adams at cbtbka@cox.net. 757-253-2419, 757259-1206. APRIL 20 Taste of Williamsburg. At the Williamsburg Lodge. 6-8 p.m. $35/person. Call 757-253-7982 for more information. APRIL 23 Earth Day Celebration. The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. A weekend of special activities for our animals. See special earth friendly animal shows. Learn ways to help the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Crafts for kids, eco-friendly giveaways and thousands of native plants for sale. Take sneakers, cell phones, batteries to recycle. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission. 757-595-1900, www.thevlm.org.
APRIL 2011 MOVIES I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) FRI., APR. 1 6:10 AND 8:10 P.M.
LIVE PERFORMANCES THE WILLIAMSBURG STORYTELLING COLLABORATIVE PRESENTS STORIES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
ANOTHER YEAR (PG-13) FRI., APR. 1-WED., APR. 6 APR. 1-2 SHOWS AT 6 AND 8:30 P.M. APR. 3-6 SHOWS AT 4 AND 6:30 P.M. APR. 1-2, 4-5 SCREENING ROOM (35 SEATS)
THE COMPANY OF ANIMALS, STORIES OF FRIENDSHIP BENEFITTING THE HERITAGE HUMANE SOCIETY SAT., APR. 2 AT 7 P.M.
DOGTOOTH NOT RATED TUES., APR. 5-SUN., APR. 10 APR. 5-7, 10 SHOWS AT 4:30, 6:15, AND 8 P.M. APR. 8-9 SHOWS AT 7 AND 8:45 P.M. APR. 6-7, 10 SCREENING ROOM (35 SEATS)
FREE EVENT BUT TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. DONATIONS TAKEN AT
THE DOOR.
THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY’S PATRICK HAYES ROUGH DRAFT HONORS THESIS FILM BY CAITLIN CLEMENTS FRI., APR. 8 AT 5:30 P.M. SCREENING IS FREE BUT TICKETS ARE REQUIRED BARNEY’S VERSION (R) SUN., APR. 10-SAT., APR. 16 APR. 10-14 SHOWS AT 4:15 AND 6:45 P.M. APR. 15-16 SHOWS AT 6:15 AND 8:45 P.M. APR. 11, 14, 16 SCREENING ROOM (35 SEATS)
CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM PRESENTS ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH THURS., APR. 7 AT 8 P.M. FREE EVENT BUT TICKETS ARE REQUIRED
THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY’S JAZZ ENSEMBLE PRESENTS
RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) FRI., APR. 15-SUN., APR. 24 APR. 15-16 SHOWS AT 6:30 AND 8:15 P.M. APR. 17-24 SHOWS AT 4:15, 6, AND 7:45 P.M. APR. 15, 17-19, 21-22 SCREENING ROOM (35 SEATS) THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) TUES., ARP. 26-MON., MAY 2 APR. 26-28, MAY 1-2 SHOWS AT 4:15, 5:45, AND 7:15 P.M. APR. 29-30 SHOWS AT 6:15, 7:45 AND 9:15 P.M. APR. 27-28, MAY 2 SCREENING ROOM (35 SEATS)
MOVIE AND BROADWAY HITS SUN., APR. 17 AT 8 P.M. GENERAL ADMISSION $8, SENIORS/STUDENTS $5
ON MERCHANTS SQUARE Advance ticket sales 1-800-HISTORY Information 757-565-8588 wwwkimballtheatrecom ©2009 The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
For venue, showtimes and tickets visit
www.thelivingpassover.com 7575 Richmond Road Williamsburg, VA 757.258.2825