Fort Pocahontas 160th Annual Reenactment – June 1 & 2
“Action at Wilson’s Warf” at Fort Pocahontas on the James River
13150 Sturgeon Point Road, Charles City, Virginia 23030
On Saturday, June 1st and Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, the May 24, 1864 the victory of United States Colored Troops over attacking Confederate cavalry comes to life in the “Action at Wilson’s Wharf” at Fort Pocahontas on the James River.
Located in Charles City County between Richmond and Williamsburg, the fort will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sunday.
William B. Tyler, great-grandson of U.S. President John Tyler and proprietor of the fort, invites the public to the annual reenactment. Joe Funk, the great-nephew and first-person presenter of Brigadier General Godfrey Weitzel, the fort engineer, commands the event.
Each year we remember the contribution of U.S. Colored Troops to the Federal war effort. We honor a turning point in our nation’s history when USCTs were tested in battle, becoming symbols of freedom and strength for future generations.
- Battles Both days
- Living History
- Civil War Camps
- Cavalry Drills
- Artillery
Joe Funk, the great-nephew and first-person presenter of Brigadier General Godfrey Weitzel, the fort engineer, commands the event.…keep reading..
Each year we remember the contribution of US Colored Troops to the Federal war effort, and we honor a turning point in our nation’s history when USCTs were tested in battle, becoming symbols of freedom and strength for future generations.
- Spectators have the opportunity to tour camps within the well-preserved fort.
- Battle reenactments take place.
- Period music provided by Harken Back String Band.
- Food vending by Dominion Dogs food truck.
- Other family-friendly living history activities include
- a scavenger hunt,
- candlemaking,
- demonstrations,
- a meet-and-greet with mounted cavalry
Period music provided by Harken Back String Band. Food vending by Dominion Dogs. Attendees are asked to dress comfortably for the weather. Lawn chairs are permitted. No pets.
Admission Fees:
- CHARLES CITY COUNTY RESIDENTS FREE with ID REGULAR RATES
- Non Charles City Residents: $10 per adult and $8 per student per day / Discounts for groups of 10 or more
- Tickets sold on site at 13150 Sturgeon Point Road, Charles City, Virginia 23030 (Cash or Check only)
- Proceeds support preservation efforts at Fort Pocahontas Ltd a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Learn more: http://www.fortpocahontas.org/
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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