The bluff itself being a river battery constructed atop a 90 foot bluff above the James River to protect the river approach to Richmond. Its primary claim to fame was in May 1862 after the fall of Portsmouth and Norfolk for the Federal fleet to attack Richmond. This action also included the famed USS Monitor.. This fort prevented them going any further. No further attempt was made.. The fortification was expanded, and also included the Confederate Naval Academy..
The 1864 battle didnt actually take place at the fort itself. The primary area of action was about 2 miles south of there. Yet still bore the namesake. In some Federal accounts the action was refered to as the Battle of Proctors Creek.. which was a landmark closer to the action itself. Butlers flank was turned, he quickly retreated to his base of operations and built a system of trenches and forts to secure his spot which was in a long sharp bend of the river... The Confederates likewise constructed their own trench lines known as the Howlett Line.. (Left end of the line was beside Dr.Howletts House) and "bottled" Butler up... Sometimes refered to as "Into the bottle".. Grant commented that Butler had put himself into a fix of a position as if it was a bottle tightly corked... hense the phrase..
The actions of the Bermuda Hundred Campaign resulted in setting the stage for the Siege of Petersburg.. therefore was easily overshadowed by other larger actions taking place elsewhere.. The Fort still remains and is part of the NPS Richmond Battlefield Park system.
As you can tell I know the engagement and area well.. lol... I grew up in part of that battlefield area..
Frederick