Fort Pocahontas at Wilson's Wharf

06/10/2026

Didn’t get around with my camera as much as I usually like to. But I was able to get a few photos of presenters and the artillery demo. We had a great group this year, representing things that actually happened in the battle. A big thank you to them and all our reenactors.

Shelly

06/07/2026

After a weekend of activity, the Fort has returned to its bucolic serenity. Thanks to all the reenactors, spectators and other participants in the event! See y’all same time next year. 

06/04/2026

ATTENTION: It's almost time for the Action at Wilson's Wharf - Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7. Here's what Spectators need to know.

- Gates open at 10 AM both days (No early arrivals)
Hours: 10-4 Saturday, 10-3 Sunday
- We accept cash or check only at the gate
$10 adults, $8 students
- Things to bring: Water, sunscreen, bug spray, ear protection (we do have some small ear plugs, but if you want something better, please bring your own).
- Spectator viewing area has tent and chairs.
- Dominion Dogs on site selling food and drinks.
- Please leave your dogs at home, there are NO PETS ALLOWED.
- Programs on Signal Corp, CW Naval activity, and Artillery Demo, camps, period music, and beautiful views of the James River.

Hope to see you there!!!!

📸 Rachel Ray-Webb

05/26/2026

Still time to get in on the Action. Reenactor Registration is open until Friday, May 29 at 5PM. Check out the website: fortpocahontas.org/reenactment

05/25/2026

Memorial Day: We tend to focus on the battle when we talk about Fort Pocahontas, but the battle was only one day in the life of this fort, and for many other days there were men who garrisoned this fort, and did their whole duty, but did not face combat.

Private Nagel was one of the 100 day men that served at Fort Pocahontas in the summer of 1864 that died of disease. He was originally buried in the Union Cemetery on site and moved to Glendale National Cemetery after the war.

Let us remember them all.

05/07/2026

05/06/2026

May 6, 1864. Signal Officer, Lt. Julius Swain leads a detachment of troops to break up a Confederate Signal Station at Sandy Point - just down river from Wilson's Wharf. During that engagement, the Confederate Signal Flags were captured. One of these flags is located in the the archives at the US Army Education and Heritage Center, Carlisle, PA. I stopped by to see it just a few weeks ago. Swain writes about the encounter in a letter to his wife.

"Yesterday morning I heard that the enemies
Signals were still in motion at Sandy Point eight
mile below here as were as at other points.
I went to the General and requested permission to go
with a detachment and break them up and if possible
Capture the men and equipments.
He detailed a party from 1 st U.S. Colored Troops
and we all went on board Gunboat “Dawn” and dropped
down three miles where the men landed with Mott[?]
carrying my white signal flag and I remained on board
with the black one. We then dropped down opposite
the Signal Station and anchored. The Paymaster
and myself went on shore with a party of ten armed sailors
(more than nobody) and arrived just after our troops got
there by land. The signal party (who were armed
with Springfield Muskets) retreated to the timber and
we had a lively time for about five minutes when it
was all over. None of our party was hurt but
one black man shot through the hand. Of the enemy
five were killed, three wounded, on very badly – and two
captured unharmed. We got a set of signal
equipments, two Telescope glasses, two xtra torches, 1 Bbl
Turpentine 10 Muskets & Accoutrements & 2 horses.
The station was on a house which we burned,
then buried the dead and took away the wounded men
and troops to the GunBoat. Among the captured
property was two record books which contain a transcript
of all official messages since Jany 20th and a
Code complete."
Swain, Julius M. (2nd Lieutenant, Signal Corps), 1864-05-07. American Manuscripts collection, Am-Mss-Collection. Chapin Library.

05/05/2026

Today is the anniversary of the landing of the union troops at Wilson’s Wharf. Our commemoration of the battle that took place here May 24 is coming June 6 and 7.

03/31/2026

Last chance for early bird registration for the 2026 Action at Wilson's Wharf 2026. Register before midnight to get the early bird rate! Get the link to website in the comments. The registration information can be found at the bottom of the web page.

01/11/2026

Reminder: Reenactor registration is now open for our 2026 event, the action at Wilson's Wharf! See comments for registration link! Looking forward to see all our friends in June!