Fort Huger

Description

Historic Fort Huger extends approximately 1,130 feet along the James River and spans 22 acres. It is a well-preserved abandoned Civil War Fort in Isle of Wight County, situated on a strategic bluff on the south side of the James River. This historic gem is dominated by hardwood forests with a bridge crossing a cypress swamp. The fort itself offers open grassy areas. A variety of songbirds breed at this site including summer tanager, yellow-throated and prothonotary warblers and blue-gray gnatcatchers. Through the trees you can glimpse the James River where wintering waterfowl can gather in abundance. Osprey, terns and gulls circle overhead.

The site’s historic features include a Civil War encampment located outside the fort and a self-guided walking trail along the original 1861 pathway and fort interior. Interpretive signage describes the fort’s historical significance: its strategic role in naval warfare during 1861-62, its construction by free blacks and enslaved people and a view of the modern day James River Reserve Fleet.

Directions

Physical Address: 15080 Talcott Terrace, Smithfield, VA, 23430

From Surry, head east on VA-10 E/Colonial Trail E, turn left onto SR-617/Bacons Castle Trail, turn right onto SR-628/Burnt Mill Rd, turn left onto Fort Huger Dr, slight right onto SR-686/Tylers Beach Rd, turn left onto Woodmere Ave, turn left onto Lawnes Neck Dr, turn right onto Talcott Ter and follow it to the parking area.