Little Fort on the River by Shawnsmusic
This was really a cool place to visit. I expected to see a masonry fort with high walls and cannon sticking out of the opening. It was anything but that. However, it was interesting to consider how geography played a role in the Civil War.
This earthen fort is simply a valley laying just off of the river. At its peak, there were (I believe) some 15,000 soldiers within its boundaries. Without going in to all of the details (which you can look up on your own) there are a number of things to see here. The fort proper with its cabins, the water battery, various roads, outlooks, etc. Its a good idea to get the driving tour tape if you plan of exploring. It clears up a lot of questions and keeps you from getting lost.
One of the most eerie and most unfortunate things about this location is the runored presence of a mass Confederate grave. The Confederate sentry and monument are said to be located very near this grave, but no one knows for sure where it is…if it even exists at all. As with most stories based on heresay, there is probably some truth to it. This just reinforces the idea that one should enter these battlefields with a sense of respect.
If you take the driving tour, you will visit the Dover Hotel. This is where Bukner surrendered to Grant. “Unconditional Surrender” Grant got his nickname at this battle. The final stop on the tour is the National Cemetery. Go and look around, pay respect, and be thankful that these men and women did what they did.
over 4 years ago
