The Concrete Fleet

Black And White Photography, Laurie, Photography

This image was taken during a boat tour of the Concrete Fleet, aka Kiptopeke’s Breakwater. These concrete ships were made in 1942 during a WWII steel shortage. Two dozen concrete ships were built and served throughout WWII, with two seeing combat. The nine ships that make up the breakwater at Kiptopeke all served as transport and training vessels in the South Pacific. The breakwater at Kiptopeke protects the beach and pier now owned by Kiptopeke State Park.

 

Sailor’s Creek

Black And White Photography, Laurie, Mobile Photography, Photography

The Battle at Sailor’s Creek occurred just 3 days before the end of the Civil War, and in that battle, nearly a quarter of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s army, more than 7,700 men, were killed, wounded or captured.

This photo was taken at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park in Rice, Virginia. The Park Ranger told me that thousands of soldiers were buried under that grass…. no names recorded and no headstones placed.

Truly hallowed ground.

 

Westover Church

Black And White Photography, Laurie, Photography

Westover Church in Charles City County, Virginia was built in 1731, but was destroyed during the Civil War when Federal Troops used it as a stable. The troops also removed most of the gravestones in the cemetery for use as tent floors, which is why no pre-Civil War gravestones exist today. The church was restored to service in 1867 and has been in use ever since.