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This year (03) was the first time we did this event and besides the rain I think it turned out ok. We were able to camp inside the origional earthen fort and the battle took place on the actual battle field. Here is the history behind this event.
Ft. Pocahontas, a Federal outpost on the James River, was constructed on land belonging to the Wilson family, so it is also referred to as Wilson's Wharf or Landing. Federal troops were first under the leadership of Gen. Edward A Wild, a fervid abolitionist and advocate for the enlistmen of black soldiers. When Confederate troops under Gen. Fitzhugh Lee initiated the action at Wilsons Wharf on May 24, 1864 Gen. Wild's 1st and 10th regiments of United States Colored Troops (USCTs) did most of the fighting. This battle secured the Unon outpost and demonstrated that African Americans could fight with equal bravery. Construction was completed after the battle and the outpost named Fort Pocahontas. Gen. Wild and his troops were later replaced with Ohio Natinal Guard, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York troops untill the fort was abandoned in June 1865.
For almost 150 years the fort lay forgotten. In the fall of 1996 the fort was purchased by Harrison Ruffin Tyler, grandson of President Tyler, and saved from developers.
Here is a picture of the dress parade on Sat. morning. I was so happy to see that there were black reenactors presant for this event.
Another picture of the parade. Neil is holding the flag.
I don't know when Kathy took this pic but as you can see I was cold and wet. It was raining so hard by Sunday morning the event was called off. My only real complaint was the lack of port-o-potties close by. I would like to think that in the future some out-house's can be constructed inside the fort for reenactors use. The 1/4 mile walk was just to far to go. But other than that the event was a nice one and being able to camp inside the fort was a treat. Behind me in this pic is the Army corp of Engineers, who spent the day on Sat. constructing a wood platform for the cannon. They worked very hard and by the end of the day had it finished and a cannon in place.
Neil is sitting back and relaxing during the heat of the day and talking to Bill. We went back again this year (04) and it was a great deal warmer this year.
As I have said before, we eat good. Besides these three chickens we had corn on the cob and green beans. I personally did not have any but it sure did look good cooking there on the spit all afternoon. The spit, grate and the woodstove were made by our units blacksmiths Al and Eddie.
I snuck this picture of DeLenn relaxing Saturday afternoon. She had gotten her shoes wet at the river and I would not let her go around without something on her feet. She still managed to get a splinter in her foot, but Robin and Uncle Buck were able to get it out.
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