Description

We're sorry, but this activity is over. The last meeting was Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Remembering the Battle of Dam No. 1
Dam 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