September 28, 2011

On Thursday, October 6, spend a special evening at Historic Jamestowne and explore the story of Fort Pocahontas, one of five Civil War-era forts constructed on Jamestown Island. Travel back to 1861 and hear first-person accounts of Confederate soldiers stationed at the fort. Fast forward to 2011 and enjoy an update with Jamestown Rediscovery Senior Archaeologist Dave Givens on the most recent findings from the fort's excavated bomb shelter. The programs begin at 5:00 pm and include a picnic dinner.

Senior Staff Archaeologist David Givens with historical reenactors Willie Balderson and Carson Hudson portraying Confederate soldiers at the event's first productionAt the beginning of the Civil War, Captain William Allen owned and farmed Jamestown Island. In April 1861, Allen's slaves and troops raised at his own expense built much of the earthworks that became "Fort Pocahontas." The Confederate Army stationed more than 1,200 men there in the summer of 1861 in hopes of blocking Federal ships from moving up the James River toward Richmond, the capital and industrial center of the Confederacy. This season, archaeologists continue to uncover the remains of a Confederate bomb shelter that was part of the fort.

Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under 6. The ticket includes admission and a picnic dinner. To purchase tickets, call the Colonial Williamsburg ticket office at 1-800-HISTORY.

This Civil War evening program is presented jointly by Historic Jamestowne and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.