Grant's Crossing

Age old trees grow undisturbed on the banks of the James River at Flowerdew Hundred. But, this was not always so. Flowerdew Hundred was the site of the Union army's bridging of the James River in 1864. The banks of the James River became the focus of Grant's strategy to attack Petersburg and cut off the Confederate army's supply line. Refered to as "Grant's Crossing," the temporary bridge built to convey thousands of soldiers was a glorious feat of engineering.

"The greatest [bridge] . . . the world has seen since the days of Xerxes."

Confederate General E. Porter Alexander

Thousands of soldiers crossed the river via the bridge and encamped in Flowerdew Hundred's fields. Today, an observation deck stands at the site. A marker made by Grant's engineers is visible.

Exhibit

Grant's Crossing
June 4^th, 1864
June 12^th, 1864
June 14^th, 1864
June 15^th, 1864
June 16^th, 1864

Interpretations

Mary Jane Willcox

Wainwright

Activity

"Prince's Principle"