Fort Magruder, Williamsburgh, Va.
Dublin Core
Title
Fort Magruder, Williamsburgh, Va.
Subject
Albumen prints
Centennial Photographic Company
Fort Magruder (Va.)
Williamsburg, Battle of, Williamsburg, Va., 1862
Description
This photo captures several men sitting atop redoubts as they contemplate the events that took place not so long ago at the site of Fort Magruder, the most important Confederate defense line immediately east of Williamsburg. They are seated upon a portion of the earthen walls that once formed the outline of the fort.
The Battle of Williamsburg occurred on May 5, 1862. To buy time for Confederate troops evacuating the peninsula towards Richmond, General Johnston chose to send a smaller contingent back to take defensive posts outside of Williamsburg. Led by General James Longstreet, the troops assembled around earthworks constructed to protect two roads leading to Williamsburg. As the rebels pursued the Confederates, they encountered the surprise defense line and a bloody skirmish ensued. The Union assault proved to be too powerful for the Confederate soldiers, who eventually retreated, yet were pleased with their efforts to delay the Union army’s progress towards the Confederate capital at Richmond.
The Battle of Williamsburg occurred on May 5, 1862. To buy time for Confederate troops evacuating the peninsula towards Richmond, General Johnston chose to send a smaller contingent back to take defensive posts outside of Williamsburg. Led by General James Longstreet, the troops assembled around earthworks constructed to protect two roads leading to Williamsburg. As the rebels pursued the Confederates, they encountered the surprise defense line and a bloody skirmish ensued. The Union assault proved to be too powerful for the Confederate soldiers, who eventually retreated, yet were pleased with their efforts to delay the Union army’s progress towards the Confederate capital at Richmond.
Creator
Centennial Photographic Company
Date
ca. 1875
Rights
This material is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). For reproduction queries: Rights and reproductions
Is Part Of
Marcus Whiffen Papers, MS1991.9
Format
jpeg
Type
Image
Identifier
D2014-SC-0003
Rights Holder
Special Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Albumen print on board
Physical Dimensions
11 x 14 inches
Citation
Centennial Photographic Company, “Fort Magruder, Williamsburgh, Va.,” John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, accessed April 18, 2024, https://rocklib.omeka.net/items/show/521.