Fort Powhatan, River defense fort at Windmill Hill near Garysville, Virginia, US
Fort Powhatan is a fortification on the south bank of the James River featuring earthwork structures, brick magazines, and a water battery oriented toward the waterway. The site includes multiple gun emplacements and stone buildings integrated into the river bluff's natural contours.
The site was originally built in 1779 as Hood's Battery, expanding to eight heavy guns by 1781. Federal improvements in the early 1800s increased capacity to 13 guns, making it a significant defensive position for river control.
The fort takes its name from the Powhatan people, who controlled this region through a network of allied tribes before English colonization arrived. This naming choice keeps alive the memory of the indigenous inhabitants and their former dominance over the James River valley.
The fortification sits on private property owned by a gun club, with a historical marker positioned along Virginia State Route 10 for public reference. Access is limited to the marker and exterior views, making it best explored from roadside vantage points.
In 1863, United States Colored Troops stationed here successfully repelled a Confederate cavalry attack at the fort. This engagement stands out as an early example of Black soldiers playing a decisive role in major Civil War combat.
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