With American Revolution history, I'm always learning something new. That happened after attending the Battle of Great Bridge reenactment in Chesapeake, VA, for the first time in early December. Growing up in the North (NY), I never learned anything about this event. However, it was a significant battle in the early stages of the war against England, especially in colonies such as Virginia, where southern support for independence was necessary. It was held on December 9, 1775, even before the thirteen colonies declared independence! 

I hadn't planned to attend this event initially. But, the opportunity arose, so I left early on a beautiful Friday morning for my first stop in my "Happy Place" Colonial Williamsburg. I hadn't visited in years, so I was excited to stroll the town again with my camera, even if only for a few hours.

My often-traveled drive from PA to VA took about five hours. After strolling and taking pictures for a few hours, which I'll describe in my next blog, my drive south in the early evening to Chesapeake took about 1 1/2 hours. After a full day of driving and walking, I was exhausted when checking into my hotel room after getting dinner. I slept great.

After breakfast on Saturday, I drove to the reenactment site. Luckily. I arrived early to the site since parking was limited. After walking the site layout, about the size of a football field, I took the shuttle to the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation museum, a short distance from where the special commemoration was being held late in the morning. Now, I've been to many reenactment sites but never have any prepared such a moving memorial with dignities honoring the event with speeches and enough event wreaths displayed to form a semi-circle around the podium area. Afterward, I toured the fun museum; then I took the shuttle back to the reenactment site.
When hostilities with England intensified around the time Philadelphia's Second Continental Congress formed in Philadelphia, 1775, the most infamous British leader in the Tidewater, VA region, the last VA Royal Governor, John Murray (Lord Dunmore portrayed here), announced his proclamation giving enslaved African Americans their freedom. Many did escape to help the British! 

Besides offering enslaved people freedom, Dunmore was a villain to white landowners when he first removed gunpowder from Williamsburg's powder magazine in April 1775 and loaded it onto a British ship in the middle of the night during a rumored slave insurrection. In addition, with those formerly enslaved people, he created the Ethiopian regiment, an all-black unit! Interestingly, this happened the day after Lexington and Concord.

At the reenactment, Lord Dunmore read his proclamation. Here is his reaction afterward. Not surprisingly, the crowd booed resoundingly!

Here is one of my best photos of 2024. It's from the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation museum
 in Chesapeake, VA. In my yearly recap blog, #79, I wrote-

Once in the museum, I spotted a table with plates and newspaper. I took a few minutes to imagine the best composition and immediately decided on the one I envisioned. And "worked the shot" to get my desired photo.

Here's something you don't see every day: art-quality detailed decorative tiles in the main lobby men's bathroom! Later, I spoke with the Museum Director, who mentioned a special project they had using these tiles. However, there were leftovers. So, where to put them? Management decided the men's room was a good location—an excellent choice! I forgot to ask about the lady's room!

The reenactment was fun and educational. In a space about the size of a football field, they depicted the December 9, 1775 battle sequence. The actual battle encompassed many miles. A total force of around 600 men, including Dunmore's Royal Ethiopian Regiment of Foot, enslaved African Americans attempted a frontal attack against a breastwork of about 900 Patriots over the Great Bridge, which spanned the Elizabeth River, the primary way to Norfolk. The attack was a disaster, with 100 Loyalists killed or wounded. Here, it shows a British officer being shot as his troops advance. Seeing how the units try to replicate an actual battle is always enjoyable.

The reenactment was late in the afternoon and not too long—about 30 minutes. Once it had finished, I started on my long 7-hour drive home. Luckily, the traffic was good! These two days were great!

Click here for the photo gallery!

Thank you for reading! Blog #83 will be posted on March 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer