Point of Fork Chapter

The name, Point of Fork, was chosen because this wedge of land at the confluence of the Rivanna River with the James River is that corner of Fluvanna most intimately connected with the Revolution. Here, in the vastness of the Rivanna hills, in the natural "V" formed by the two great rivers was set up in early 1781 the Point of Fork Military Establishment. This was the principal depot for the Assembly of military stores, the manufacture of powder and shot, bayonets, clothes and other items. Here, also was the training ground for Continental recruits under Major-General Baron Von Steuben. When the powder was removed here from Williamsburg it was stated that "all the powder in the State is now at the Fork"

In 1781, during the heat of the Revolution in Virginia, the English general, Lord Cornwallis, considered this military establishment of Point of Fork the most important objective in the State and sent Lieutenant Colonel Simcoe to destroy the magazines. Tarleton was on his way from Charlottesville to meet Simcoe lower down the James, and Von Steuben, appraising the situation, decided it was his duty to withdraw.

Though the installation was practically destroyed by the British, the need of army supplies for the western country was so great that the works were quickly restored and maintained by the Commonwealth of Virginia. There were shipments to remote regions as the country was settled. Daniel Boone was at the arsenal in December, 1791, and signed for powder and lead for use in his expeditions. George Rogers Clark also obtained supplies from here. Then in 1801, after serving during the momentous period of this great nation, the Point of Fork Military Establishment ceased to be.