The May 5th HMdb, Historical Marker database, had another photo and information gallery by Bernard Fisher, this time about a marker at Gloucester/Tyndall's Point, Virginia, by Yorktown. During the Peninsular Campaign of 1862, there was a star-shaped fort there to defend the York River from Union vessels.
It was first fortified in 1667 with Fort James which was rebuilt with brick in 1671. (I was unable to find out what happened to it, however.) The river between Gloucester Point and Yorktown is particularly narrow here so it was a very commanding position.
It was the extreme eastern terminus of Confederate General Magruder's Second Peninsular Defensive Line. The Army fortified it in June, 1861 with the 100 yard long and 75 foot wide star-shaped fort featuring a 7-and-a-half foot high parapet on the inside and 20 foot thick embrasures for 12 guns. A water battery was also constructed.
Robert E. Lee directed its construction, which came under fire before it was completed. Eight 9-inch Dahlgrens and four 32-pdrs were placed. The fort protected the water battery from land attack.
The Second Defensive Line was abandoned on the night of May 3rd and 4th.
Another Fort I Never heard Of. --Old B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
