Rocketts
Information about Rocketts Landing in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Rocketts Landing is on the area of eastern Richmond then known as Rocketts.

During the Civil War the area was used as a place of encampment as well as the Confederate shipyard and dock on the James River.

Written Accounts

1844-12-25, Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, DC); Revenue Cutter to be built by Tredegar – Anderson has purchased a “ship-yard” at Rocketts and will put up the necessary buildings
1859-01-07, Richmond Dispatch; residents of Jefferson Ward to purchase land at “Hospital Hill” (Chimborazo) to give as a fair grounds. Description notes that “it is within the city limits, and will be under control of the Mayor..."
1859-01-31, Richmond Dispatch; editorial urging the use of “Hospital Hill” (Chimborazo) as a reservoir
1860-10-30, Richmond Dispatch; Curtis Peck (future obstruction at Drewry’s Bluff) makes run from Norfolk to Richmond in 8 1/2 hours
1860-11-08, Richmond Dispatch; report from the board of the Richmond and York River Railroad; important details about RR’s plans and operations
1861-03-11, Richmond Dispatch; steamer A. H. Schultz grounds against the “marine railway” at Rocketts
1861-04-22, Richmond Dispatch; account of the excitement caused by the erroneous rumor that a Federal gunboat was ascending the James River.
1861-04-23, Richmond Dispatch; construction on the city railway continues
1861-05-16, Richmond Dispatch; Richmond Howitzers have moved from Howard's Grove to Chimborazo Hill
1861-05-22, Richmond Whig, Richmond Howitzers camped on Chimborazo hill, with new military road "leading from the plateau," along the declivity, to the encampment at Rocketts. Artillery posted atop the hill.

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