Fort Norfolk hosts Battle of Craney Island Re-enactment

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Re-enactors from several non-profit groups were on-hand on-board historic Fort Norfolk to portray a unique living history of the Battle of Craney Island, which took place on June 22, 1813 during the War of 1812. A combined force of US Sailors and US Marines from the frigate USS Constellation and Virginia Militia defeated an invading British Force; resulting in a victory for American forces. (US Navy by Civilian Public Affairs Officer Max Lonzanida)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

06.24.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

Fort Norfolk comprises four acres and eleven historic buildings situated on the Elizabeth River just across from Portsmouth, Virginia. Its grounds date back to the late 1700s and early 1800s, and has been home to the Norfolk District of the US Army Corps of Engineers since 1923. The historic Fort has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976, and is within minutes from the bustling Waterside District with attractions such as the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) that attracts visitors from near and far. This past weekend, the Fort and its quietly manicured grounds, played host to re-enactors that brought history to life.

Re-enactors from the non-profit groups Fort Norfolk & Frigate Constellation, HMS Otter, Cedar Grove Cemetery Foundation, Fort Norfolk Historical Society, and HMS Acasta were on-hand for this unique living history experience. Inside one of the historic buildings were re-enactors from the non-profit HMS Acasta portraying a Ships Doctor and apprentice, complete with period specific medical tools; and a re-enactor portraying a Sailing Master to answer questions in character for visitors.

Outdoors, re-enactors dressed in period specific uniforms showcased military field maneuvers and skirmishes, complete with muskets firing powder blanks. A drummer boy and fife player rounded out the skirmish line, while Matthew Krough, dressed in a period specific coat and top-hat, narrated the action for a crowd of spectators. Krough, who is part of the non-profit Fort Norfolk & Frigate Constellation, has been re-enacting for several years; and indicated that re-enactors came from as far as Tennessee and Ohio. His group, along with the other re-enactors, were delighted to return to Fort Norfolk for this annual commemoration which brought to life this little-known encounter between American and British forces.

The Battle took place on June 22, 1813 during the War of 1812. British forces had blockaded the Chesapeake Bay, and had anchored off of Craney island intending to capture to Frigate, USS Constellation, which was docked at Gosport Shipyard (now Norfolk Naval Shipyard). British forces intended to lay waste to the shipyard and continue to neutralize American outposts. Defenders at Craney Island consisted a blockading force of gunboats, US Sailors and US Marines from the USS Constellation, augmented by ground forces from the Virginia Militia and shore batteries consisting of 18 pounder and 26 pounder cannons; all totaling a little over 700 men.

On June 22, 1813, an overwhelming force of over 2,000 British Soldiers, Royal Marines, Royal Navy Sailors and French Prisoners attacked on that day. The invading force was quickly overcome by obstacles such as dense brush and high water which impeded the advance of invading barges filled with British combatants. The invading barges, were also met with accurate cannon fire by shore batteries, using grape and canister shot; forcing the British forces to retreat. Reports vary by sources, but point to approximately 80 British casualties while the defending forces did not suffer any casualties in a clear victory for the US defenders.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2018
• Date Posted: 06.24.2018 22:11
• Story ID: 282103
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US