THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606210190
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 35 lines
A re-enactment of the Battle of Craney Island, which saved Portsmouth from British invasion, is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Fort Norfolk.
The re-enactment will mark the 183rd anniversary of the battle off Portsmouth during the War of 1812.
The re-enactment is part of The War of 1812 Weekend at Fort Norfolk, which is at 803 Front St., near the south end of Colley Avenue in Norfolk. The gates will open at 11 a.m.
Other events today will feature re-enactors from both the American and British forces, including the ship's company from the USS Constellation, U.S. Regulars and British Army units from the Napoleonic era. Re-enactors will do camp life demonstrations, artillery drills with live cannon fire and a garrison parade.
The town of Portsmouth and Gosport Navy Yard narrowly averted capture and probable destruction in the War of 1812 when a large British landing force was defeated in the Battle of Craney Island on June 22, 1813.
According to historical accounts, the harbor had been blockaded since February 1813 by a squadron under British Admiral Sir John B. Warren, who with 2,600 troops under Brigadier General Sir Sydney Beckwith made his attack in June on the barren island, which guarded Portsmouth at the mouth of the Elizabeth River.
Craney Island was defended by the state militia and some seamen from the Constellation, a total of about 750 men under the command of U.S. Brigadier General Robert B. Taylor of Norfolk. Historical accounts also give credit to the Portsmouth Light Artillery, later known as the Grimes Battery, for its role in the defeat of the British.
The re-enactment in Norfolk is open to the public. A donation of $2 per person or $5 per family is requested. by CNB