The 150th anniversary of the first shots of the Civil War in present-day Virginia was commemorated with a day-long event Saturday at Gloucester Point. On May 7, 1861, the USS Yankee was turned away from traveling up the York River by a battery stationed at Gloucester Point. The highlight of the day’s activities was a reenactment of the exchange itself, with the Schooner Alliance filling in for the USS Yankee. In top photo, members of a Dahlgren howitzer crew take aim at the vessel. At right, an infantry company, commanded by Capt. Ben Forrest of Co. B, 56th Virginia (with sword in hand) marches down Greate Road to face the Yankee menace. The day also included Civil War displays and lectures. The event was sponsored by the Gloucester Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee. Photos by Charlie Koenig.
...