In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the occupation of City Point, Virginia, by Union Forces, a living history program is being sponsored by the National Park Service and Company D, 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The program hours are 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM Saturday and 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM Sunday.

Although the history of City Point goes back to the 17th century, it became famous during the final year of the Civil War. Between June 1864 and April 1865, City Point was the principal logistical base for the Federal armies besieging Richmond and Petersburg. A deep water port, many as 200 ocean going ships would dock each day. Supplies would then be then be transported by road or rail to Federal Forces in the field. City Point was also the site of the first major act of sabotage in American military history. On August 9, 1864 a Confederate agent plated a time bomb on an ammunition ship at City Point. The resulting blast killed over three dozen people, destroyed the ship and devastated the dock area.

Participation in this program is by invitation and is limited to 100 military participants. Individuals wishing to attend as period civilians need to contact Ranger Emmanuel Dabney at emmanuel_dabney@nps.gov.

Impressions

Unless otherwise assigned, all Federal infantry will portray members of the 68th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (click here for history). The 68th was part of the provost guard of the Army of the Potomac. They were uniformed, armed and equipped as conventional infantry (click here for uniform and equipment guidelines).

City Point was a major processing center for prisoners of war captured in fighting around Richmond and Petersburg. From City Point, thousands of prisoners would be shipped to Point Lookout, Fort Delaware and other prisons in the north. In order to show this part of the historical record, Confederates are welcome to attend as POW’s.

During the fighting around Petersburg and Richmond, City Point was the headquarters for Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. His personal guard was composed of the 4th US Infantry. Individuals who normally portray US Regulars are invited to attend and portray the men of the 4th US.

Logistics

Basic amenities of wood, water, straw and toilets will be provided by the National Park Service. Camps will open at 12 noon on Friday. Parking will be located within 500 yards of the camp. For those wishing modern accommodations, there are a number of hotels located at the intersection of I-295 and State Route 36, approximately 5 miles from the park.

A limited number of fires will be allowed. As a result, there will be no individual cooking at this event. A company mess will be provided. This will consist of lunch and supper on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Participants will be assessed $10 per person for food.

Schedule

Please click here for a current schedule of activities and a map of the site.

Registration

Please print the attached registration form and return with check. When your form is received, your name will be posted on a list of registered participants.

Unit leaders: If you wish to send one payment for everyone in your group that is OK. Please be sure all registration forms are included with that payment.

Questions

For questions concerning the event, please contact James Owens at jdo@npmhu.org.