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Chester Station Camp #1503 SCV Celebrates Battery Dantzler Facelift
By Linda Fausz
Mar 28, 2007, 15:17

The color guard marches approaches the battery

Just north of Rt. 10 lies the northern end of the famous Howlett Line. This Confederate fort, built in May 1864, is named for Col. Olin Dantzler, who was killed trying to take Fort Dutton, and it played a major role in keeping the Union Navy from approaching Richmond. It once overlooked a curl of the James River, but now is cut off by the Dutch Gap.This past Sunday, Chester Station Camp #1503, Sons of Confederate Veterans, with family and friends, gathered at the battery to salute and recognize the many individuals, businesses and organizations that gave their support in rejuvenating the historical site.
The camp took it on as a project to bring access to the public, estimating a cost of $8,000 to bring it up to standards to accept visitors. Eric Chandler, commander of the camp, led the way with the a Boy Scout who stepped forward to build an entrance for his Eagle Scout project. Boy Scout Tyler Parham of Boy Scout Troop 877 earned his Eagle Scout rank and was recognized at the event on Sunday with a plaque and certificate. Chandler also recognized Boy Scout Curtis Welch from Boy Scout Troop 879 with a plaque and certificate for leading his troop and their efforts for clearing and cleaning of the site.
All through the event, artillery salutes were given, while Eric Chandler gave the history of the Battery; Ruth Snead, in period mourning costume, read the biography of Commander Major Francis W. Smith; and Sam Tarry, with Chester Station Camp #1503, past commander of the Sons of Confederate Veterans camp, read the biography of Colonel Olin M. Dantzler. Cannons were provided by Knibb’s Battery, with Capt. Jim Cochrane commanding, and 1st Virginia Cavalry, with Capt. Dick Hanser commanding.
Bermuda Supervisor R.M. "Dickie" King was recognized for his support with a generous grant from Chesterfield County for the project.
The main speaker of the event was John Quarstein, director with the Virginia War Museum, speaking on the James River ironclads.
The color guard of the Chester Station Camp #1503, Sons of Confederate Veterans presented and retired the Colors.