Nice smaller battlefield of a little known battle along the James River. As a historian of the 11th VA Infantry, I visited to see where they were deployed to assist in defending Richmond. You can see everything and walk entire area in an hour. A neat view of the James River can be had from this location.

Fort Drewry is located south of Richmond, VA. In May1862 earthworks & artillery emplacements were dug for three large sea coast guns. On May 15 a fleet of five union warships headed to Drewry's Bluff. The union ship Galena suffered losses of 27 killed/wounded while southern causalities were 15. The result was the union navy never challenged the guns of Drewry again. My visit started shortly after 1:00 ending 2:30. Many detailed info stands. Pathway is gravel. At the site one large 7 coastal cannon, with a large platform over looking the James River. From the parking area to the James is very scenic. My day was Sept. 17 very sunny, good for photography. Site has NO facilities, needed to drive to nearby McDonalds. Parking is small, however only two other vehicles. Beside the site & scenery a visitor will get much exercise, the round trip about one mile. This is a great site for a civil war buff. No charge.

Born raised in VA but spent college and most of my working life in NE. Moved back to VA 10 yrs ago and retired not too long ago and have made it a point to visit some historical sites hadn't been to since dad took me to when young or had never been to. Ft Darling/Drewry's Bluff only saw action one time in 1862 when federal montiors/gunboats were turned back by heavy artillery. Small parking lot but well maintained path down to the small fortifications. About a mile or so round trip. The fortifications, since off the beaten path are original. You'll see a a indention in the earth behind one breastwork that was a bomb proof that over years has caved in. During the war the slopes were cleared of trees/foliage for siting the guns. Trees have taken over but you still get a great view of bend in the James where the Confederate Artilleryman would have aimed their cannon. The NPS has done a nice job signage and some period (1865 photos take when the yanks had taken control) photos of the chapel, Confederate Marine Barracks, and some of the Confederate Navy school wooden buildings. Highly suggest bug spray if that time of year. Ticks shouldn't be an issue since trail well maintained and park service mows regularly. It would be accessible by wheelchair w/someone assisting but the person would not be able to get up to top of the gun enplacements to view the river.

I had driven past this park for years without ever really knowing it was there. This is a great little historical park offering some interesting facts and perspectives of Fort Darling in the Civil War. There is a nice overlook of the James River and a trail (about a mile, maybe?) with placards along the way explaining the various places in the Fort and their significance. It's a great little side trip, it could easily be done in an hour or less -- or more if you wanted to take more time. Except for the initial walkway, the trails are unpaved, but I think that strollers would be fine.

I've visited this place a few times over the decades and really enjoy it. It is brief, but it gives one a great idea of how the South strategically defended Richmond during the American Civil War.