The very first fortifications at Gloucester Point were built in 1667 and named Fort James.
During the Civil War, the new battery was largely the creation of Robert E. Lee, who was putting his engineering skills to good use, of course, before he became the the leader of the Army of Northern Virginia.
The main battery was constructed right at the end of the point, 100 yards long, enclosed and with 7 1/2 foot parapets, 20-foot thick and with embrasures for 12 guns.
Above it, Lee ordered a star-shaped fort to be built to protect the water battery from rear attack.
There is a marker in Tyndall Point Park by the earthworks.
Watch Out for Those Guns. --Old B-Runner
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