Discover the history of the James River Reserve Fleet

     Join the Isle of Wight County Historical Society to learn the real story of Isle of Wight County's Navy, aka The James River Reserve Fleet or "Ghost Fleet".  With the advent of iron warships (instead of wood) it became practical to keep costly naval vessels moored in ready reserve and stored serviceable for the next war emergency.
     The James River Reserve Fleet in shoal water off Lawne's Neck was started in 1916 but had antecedents dating back to the Civil War and was once home to 850 vessels.  This presentation explores the establishment, growth, and demise of the worlds's once largest peacetime accumulation of millitary vessels.