Waterways History Foundation

History

The personal sacrifices and energies invested in building our nation need to be kept alive to teach the values of freedom to future generations of Americans. The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation seeks to preserve the heritage of a battle that helped create our country and the waterways that carried its commerce.

On December 9, 1775, at Great Bridge in the region of Hampton Roads, American troops defeated British Redcoats in the first battle of the Revolutionary War fought on Virginia soil. George Washington himself believed that the victory was critical to American's quest for independence.

In 1772, plans were made to construct a canal from Great Bridge to North Landing River but our nation's struggle for independence rendered it impossible. When the Revolutionary War ended, Governor Patrick Henry believed a more westerly course to the Albermarle Sound was feasible and so authorized the construction of the Dismal Swamp Canal in 1792. The Albermarle & Chesapeake Canal was not completed until 1859.

The Foundation

Now the Foundation seeks to create a Battlefield Waterway Visitor Center telling the story of the battle and of the historical Albermarle & Chesapeake and Dismal Swamp canals. With artifacts and videos and costumed interpreters we want to make history come alive; history that should not be forgotten.

We have broad-based community support and a number of civic leaders have expressed enthusiasm.  But we need YOU!  We need contributions of time and money. We need volunteers willing to shoulder all the tasks that will make this visitor center possible.

Your participation in the early stages of this effort will be meaningful and rewarding. Won't you join us in making sure that the past is once again present so that future generations will know these stories of courage and dedication.

For more information contact the Norfolk County Historical Society at:

Or visit the Foundation's Website at: http://www.gbbattlefield.org