2012 Fort Pocahontas Trail Ride Flyer
Please take a look at the PDF above. This trail ride is taking place the weekend of October 12-14.
The ride will take place at Fort Pocahontas at Wilson’s Wharf along the James River. Fort Pocahontas was a defensive earthen fort built and maintained by United States Colored Troops under the command of Brig. Generals Edward A. Wild and Benjamin Butler. On May 24, 1864, the fort was attached by Confederate Cavalry led by Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. The action resulted in a decisive victory for the USCT who were outmanned by the much larger attacking force.
Harrison Ruffin Tyler, the grandson of President Tyler bought Ft. Pocahontas in 1996. He is also the owner of Sherwood Forest. Ft. Pocahontas is listed as one of the best preserved fort sites in the US. It was virtually untouched for 130 years until it was purchased in 1996. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
You will have a chance to ride by the stage props used in the movie TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. This includes a fort built for the movie. Also, the movie THE NEW WORLD was filmed here. If you have seen the movie you may recognize some of the area.
Bald eagles nest along the river banks of the James River. Keep an eye in the sky for a sighting.
A walking tour of the fort includes the earthen bastions, breastworks and gun ramps and the Binford House (ca 1740), which was moved to this location from Southampton County in 2000. The house contains a museum of artifacts uncovered during archeological studies. Panoramic views of the James River are provided both from the high bluff and the river landing.
Fore more information, please visit www.fortpocahontas.org .
