April 13, 2024
Battle of Dam No. 1 Bridge
Newport News Park • 13560 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23603 Organized by Newport News Parks & Recreation
This event has ended.
About this event
Description
We're sorry, but this activity is over. The last meeting was Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Remembering the Battle of Dam No. 1Dam No. 1, which was one of three dams constructed by Confederate commander John Bankhead Magruder, was designed to turn the Warwick River into a defensive barrier, slowing the progression of Union soldiers towards Richmond. On April 5th, 1862, The Union army under the command of Maj. General George B. McClellen arrived at the earthwork fortifications the Confederate army constructed on the other side of the Warwick River, and thus began the prolonged siege of those fortifications.
Come and learn the story of how this battle unfolded right at the location where it was fought! Using a collection of personal and historical accounts, we will run through the details of what happened on both sides of the conflict one hundred sixty-one years ago.
Location
Discovery Center - From the Newport News Park main entrance, proceed 1 mile on Constitution Ave; the Discovery Center and parking lot is on the right - look for the Civil War canon!
Instructor
Park Naturalist
Age and Gender
Ages 12-255 · Co-Ed