Fort Boykin has been a part of American history since 1623 when a fort known as the Castle was constructed to protect the Jamestown colonists from Native Americans and raiding Spaniards. Atop a bluff overlooking the James River, the site’s commanding view makes it a keen observation point. Today, Fort Boykin remains essentially intact and constitutes a well-preserved example of military architecture of the Civil War era.

Fort Boykin is on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, and it is home to the commonwealth's second oldest black walnut tree. The fort is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Virginia Landmarks Register, Virginia Civil War Trails, Captain John Smith’s Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail and the Cornell eBird System,

Open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Beach access.