131-0023

Great Bridge Battle Site

VLR Listing Date

01/05/1971

NRHP Listing Date

03/28/1973

NRHP Reference Number

73002205

The first pitched battle of the Revolutionary War in Virginia was fought on December 9, 1775, at the Great Bridge, a wooden causeway across 360 yards of marsh and open water of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, south of Norfolk (within the modern day city of Chesapeake). Lord Dunmore, the royal governor, had a British garrison here to protect this approach to Norfolk. The bloody engagement proved to be a victory for the patriots. The British abandoned their fortified position at this strategic point and eventually were forced to evacuate Norfolk because it could not be defended from the south. Artifacts of this engagement likely survive in the marshes adjacent to the Great Bridge Battle Site.

Last Updated: February 2, 2024

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Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

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