National Park Service Commemorates 144th Anniversary of the Battle of Chaffin's Bluff at Fort Harrison

Date: September 22, 2008
Contact: Mike Andrus, 804 226-1981 x. 30

Richmond National Battlefield Park will present a weekend series of special programs on September 27 and 28, 2008 to commemorate the 144th anniversary of the 1864 battle of Chaffin's Farm at Fort Harrison. Talks, Tours and Children’s Activities run from 10:00 to 5:00 on Saturday and from 10:00 to 3:00 on Sunday. Commemorative programs include Artillery Firing Demonstrations at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 on Saturday and at 11:00 and 1:00 on Sunday. A one-hour Campfire Program with Civil War-era music will take place on Saturday evening at 7:00. Bring a blanket, chairs, and bug spray. All events are free. Parking is available at the Fort Harrison Visitor Center located eight miles east of Richmond off Va. Route 5 at 8621 Battlefield Park Road.

In late September 1864 Union armies under General U.S. Grant assaulted the Richmond and Petersburg fortifications simultaneously in an effort to weaken or possibly break the Confederate defenses. The fighting outside Richmond at New Market Heights and Fort Harrison proved the most serious threat to the Confederate capital prior to its fall.

Join us for special walking tours that retrace the Union attack route that led to the capture of Fort Harrison and highlight some of the best preserved earthworks built to protect Richmond between 1862 and 1865. Park historians will retrace the Union attack route that led to the capture of Fort Harrison. At nearby Fort Gilmer visitors will hear the fate of United States Colored Troops that attempted to break through Confederate lines. Living History volunteers portraying Union General Godfrey Weitzel, his staff Confederate infantry and artillery troops will be camped inside Fort Harrison. Junior Ranger activities for children will be available at the visitor center along with a Photo Exhibit on the extensive earthen fortifications built in the vicinity of Fort Harrison.