About the Foundation

THE FORMATION OF THE FOUNDATION

In 1896, the construction of the Albemarle & Chesapeake Canal intersected a small portion of the battlefield.  A century later, in the mid 1990s, plans for replacement of the bridge across the canal by the US Army Corps of Engineers provided the final opportunity to reclaim and preserve a major portion of the original battlefield. The urgency of preserving the battle site prompted the City of Chesapeake to write an Historic Preservation Plan in 1996, stating that the greatest threats to the battlefield would be transportation improvements caused by urban development and redevelopment of vacant properties. The National Park Service has also listed the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways site as an historical site in need of immediate and direct preservation measures by state and local governments and organizations. Without direct assistance, this historical site may not survive, removing an important source of public education and commerce within the Commonwealth of Virginia.  

It was to save this irreplaceable piece of American history that on December 9, 1999, the 224th anniversary of the battle, a dedicated group of citizens formed The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation.  The Foundation is dedicated to preserving the battlefield and commemorating and promoting to the nation the strategic importance of the Battle of Great Bridge and the economic and cultural contributions made by the Albemarle & Chesapeake and Dismal Swamp Canals.

MISSION

The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation is a nonprofit organization that protects, preserves, and promotes the history of the Battle of Great Bridge, December 9, 1775, and the region's Revolutionary War and canal history to educate the public about the importance of these events in the creation and growth of America. 

VISION 

The Foundation will be the regional leader in promoting the compelling and relevant lessons of the Battle of Great Bridge, the Dismal Swamp, the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canals by furthering the conversation on the challenges of establishing and maintaining a free and just society.

A museum display featuring a historical costume with a black hat, beige jacket, dark shorts, and shoes, along with era-appropriate accessories, all enclosed in a glass case with informational plaques visible nearby.
A white obelisk monument centered in a park with green trees and bushes, three flagpoles with flags around it, a blue sky, and benches in the background.

About the Project to Preserve History

This project would not be possible without the support of our gracious donors, volunteers, and members helping to preserve this vital piece of American history! This generous support helps us continue to operate the museum and provide educational programs and events throughout the year.

GREAT BRIDGE BATTLEFIELD AND WATERWAYS MUSEUM

We are proud of our work to preserve this nation’s history, and the completion of Phase I of our Museum! This Georgian style building located on the Intracoastal Waterways is a welcoming place for travelers by both land and water. This 8,550 sq. ft. building commemorating the historic importance of the Revolutionary War Battle of Great Bridge and the history of our waterways is located adjacent to a reclaimed portion of the original battle site.

The museum building currently has a 3,200 sq. ft. permanent gallery, a 2,000 sq. ft. gallery for changing exhibits that demonstrate the importance of both the Battle of Great Bridge and the historic waterways, a museum gift shop, and a resource room for local historical research.

The Foundation's plan is to expand the museum building to 12,000 sq. ft. that will include a 100-seat auditorium for multimedia presentations and lectures and a multipurpose meeting room with a catering kitchen. The Museum is the anchor for the larger project being undertaken cooperatively by the City of Chesapeake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Foundation: to create an historic park that encompasses the four quadrants of land that surround the intersection of Battlefield Boulevard and the canal at Great Bridge.

HISTORIC PARK AND INTERPRETIVE PATHWAY

Thanks to many devoted citizens, businesses, and historic organizations, Battlefield Park was created to serve as a tribute to the history of the Battle of Great Bridge. The park and its trails are open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily.

In the Spring of 2007, the Daughters of the American Revolution were instrumental in placing a large stone monument on the future historic park site to commemorate the Patriot soldiers that fought for our freedom. This monument is visible from Battlefield Boulevard, as well as from the Intracoastal Waterway. They have also kindly donated granite benches to surround the monument. The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation is thankful for the continued efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

For the over 10,000 boaters who travel our Intracoastal Waterways yearly, we replaced our docking pier thanks in part to a generous donation from the Virginia Port Authority.

The Park is also home to an Interpretive Historic Pathway, an Outdoor Amphitheater, a Recreation of the Causeway from 1775, a Family Picnic Area, and a future monument to the British troops that lost their lives during the battle.

A historical painting of the Battle of Great Bridge during the American Revolutionary War, featuring soldiers in red coats and tricorne hats fighting behind wooden fortifications with cannons, smoke, and a sunset sky in the background.

Give $250 for the 250th!

Help us commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Great Bridge and America’s independence by donating $250 to the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation. Your generous gift will ensure that we continue to provide educational programs, lectures, events, tours, and field trips to visitors of all ages.