121-0027

Fort Crafford Archaeological Site

VLR Listing Date

10/16/1973

NRHP Listing Date

05/17/1974

NRHP Reference Number

74002237

On Mulberry Island Point in the city of Newport News, the Fort Crafford Archaeological Site derives its name from Carter Crafford, who acquired the land in 1749. A fortification was built here during the American Revolution to oppose British reinforcement of Yorktown. Fort Crafford was built in early 1862 as a covering work to enhance the Mulberry Island anchor of the Confederate Warwick-Yorktown line (2nd Peninsula Defense line). The fort played a role in Maj. Gen. John Bankhead Magruder’s defense which delayed the Northern advance long enough to give the Confederates time to assemble a force to defend Richmond. The well-preserved pentagonal earthwork consists of an inner wall twenty feet high and covers over seven acres. Within the fort area are the foundations of Carter Crafford’s house, demolished in 1924, as well as the Crafford graveyard and a graveyard for enslaved individuals. Also at the Fort Crafford Archaeological Site are the sites of three magazines and two bombproof shelters.

Last Updated: December 22, 2023

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Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

121-5621

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