Sons of the American Revolution commemorate the Battle of Great Bridge, honor memory of Culpeper Minutemen Militia

On December 9, 2021, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Commemoration of the Battle of Great Bridge. This event was sponsored by the Culpeper Minute Men Chapter. The ceremony was held to honor the memory of the Culpeper Minutemen Militia who participated in the Battle of Great Bridge.

The opening ceremony of the Commemoration at Yowell Park, Culpeper, Virginia. Photos courtesy of Bill Schwetke.

Early in the fight for American independence, five companies of Culpeper Minutemen, led by LTC Edward Stevens and Major Thomas Marshall consisting of about 150 soldiers, greatly assisted in the important victory for untried colonial forces against the British in a clash at daybreak near Chesapeake. Sentries at the south end of the bridge crossing the south branch of the Elizabeth River sounded the alarm of a British attack. Captain Charles Fordyce led by a force of 60 grenadiers with bayonets fixed. As the force approached the bridge, Billy Flora, a free African American stood his ground to fire eight shots which delayed the attack long enough to allow members of the Culpeper Minutemen and the 2nd Virginia Regiment to man the barricades. The colonists held their fire until the British were within 50 yards. A tremendous volley from the patriots created havoc among the attackers. Captain Fordyce went down just short of the barricade. The British advance dissolved under the heavy musket fire and retreated across the bridge, incurring 102 casualties compared to the colonist having one injury.

The musket salute, from left to right: Mike Dennis, Dale Corey, Dennis Parmerter, Dave Cook, Sean Carrigan and Bill Schwetke.

Early on Thursday morning, the Sons of the American Revolution led by the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter commemorated the 246th Anniversary of this battle. President Charles Jameson and Compatriot Tom Hamill emceed the event.

Wreath presentations were made by Virginia State Past President Bill Schwetke (Virginia Society), Chapter Color Guard Commander Mike Dennis (Culpeper Minutemen), Past President Dale Corey (Colonel James Wood II), Chapter President Ken Morris (George Mason), President Dave Cook (Fairfax Resolves) and Mike Weyler (Virginia Order of Founders and Patriots).

The wreath presentation, from left to right: Mike Dennis, Mike Weyler, Bill Schwetke, Ken Morris and Dale Corey.

A VASSAR combined color guard led by Bill Schwetke presented colors and fired a musket salute. The color guard consisted of Colonel James Wood II Compatriots Sean Carrigan, Dave Cook (dual member, Fairfax Resolves), Dale Corey, Mike Dennis (dual member, Culpeper Minutemen), Dennis Parmerter, Bill Schwetke (dual member, Culpeper Minutemen) and Mike Weyler (dual member, Colonel William Grayson). Also participating was Ken Morris from George Mason Chapter.