Drewry's Bluff Anniversary Event

During the Civil War, Drewry’s Bluff was an important Confederate naval installation, serving as a base and training facility for soldiers, sailors, and marines. The fort was so strong it was never captured during the war. On Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, 2023, Richmond National Battlefield Park will commemorate the battles fought here as well as the site’s unique naval history. In mid-May, 1862, United States Navy ships came upriver intent on capturing Richmond, but met defeat at Drewry’s Bluff. The battle featured the famous ship, USS Monitor. Two years later in 1864 a second battle was fought nearby on land. The park preserves the fortifications of Drewry’s Bluff and site of the military installation. Saturday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. park rangers, re-enactors, and staff from the Chesterfield County Historical Society will be set up on site to greet visitors and offer programs. During the war, a Richmond-based Ladies Gunboat Association raised money for the Confederate Navy. Re-enactors will portray the Ladies Association and explain their fundraising activities. Throughout the day there will special hands-on children’s activities. Young visitors can work on a special activity book to earn a prize, learn about fortifications and build a model fort, visit re-enactor camps to learn about soldier and sailor life, and make their own wooden gunboat at 3 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, May 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the park is leading a car-caravan driving tour of the lesser-known Second Battle of Drewry’s Bluff. The tour departs from and returns to Drewry’s Bluff and visitors will convoy in their personal vehicles. The caravan will stop at key sites related to the 1864 battle. All activities for the weekend are free.