Warwick Line

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Warwick Line (also known as the Warwick-Yorktown line) was a defensive works across the Virginia Peninsula maintained along the Warwick River by Confederate General John B. Magruder against much larger Union forces under General George B. McClellan during the American Civil War in 1861-62.

The line was anchored on the east by a four gun battery on Mulberry Island (which is now part of Fort Eustis) at the confluence of the Warwick and James Rivers, and on the west by Yorktown.

Through elaborate ruse tactics, Magruder deceived McClellan and held the line for about 30 days, a delay which helped provide valuable time for the ultimately successful defense of Richmond led by General Robert E. Lee, prolonging the War almost 3 additional years.