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America's Most Forgotten Battle: The Battle That Changed the Course of the American Revolution

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Kings Mountain: America's Most Forgotten Battle That Changed the Course of the American Revolution

by Reginald Pelham Bolton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3767 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	232 pages

In the annals of American history, countless battles are etched in our collective memory: Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Yorktown. But there is one battle that has slipped through the cracks of time, fading into obscurity despite its profound impact on the course of the American Revolution: the Battle of Great Bridge.

The Eve of Revolution

As tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain reached a boiling point, Virginia emerged as a hotbed of revolutionary sentiment. In December 1775, the British Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, fearing an uprising, seized gunpowder and cannons from the colony's capital, Williamsburg. This act enraged the Virginia patriots, who raised a militia to resist British tyranny.

Meanwhile, British Major General Charles Cornwallis was dispatched to Norfolk, a strategic port city in Virginia. His mission: to establish a base of operations and crush the growing rebellion.

The Battle of Great Bridge

On December 9, 1775, a force of approximately 350 American militia, led by Colonel William Woodford, marched on Great Bridge, a crucial crossing point over the Elizabeth River. Their goal was to prevent the British from gaining access to the Virginia countryside and securing the city of Norfolk.

The British, under the command of Captain Fordyce, had fortified the bridge with trenches and artillery. As the American militia approached, a fierce battle ensued. Despite the British advantage in firepower, the American patriots charged relentlessly, their resolve unwavering.

Heroism and Strategy

In the midst of the chaos, individual acts of heroism emerged. Sergeant William Flora, an American soldier, charged the British redoubt, capturing a cannon and turning it against the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Charles Scott led a key flank attack, outmaneuvering the British and forcing them to retreat.

The American strategy was brilliant. They had divided their forces, sending one group to attack the main British position while another crossed the river and outflanked the enemy. The British, caught between two fronts, were forced to abandon Great Bridge.

A Turning Point in the Revolution

The American victory at Great Bridge had a profound impact on the course of the American Revolution. It was the first major military victory for the Continental Army and it instilled confidence in the American cause. The British were forced to abandon their plans to secure Virginia and their hold on the colony was significantly weakened.

The victory at Great Bridge also played a crucial role in securing the vital port of Norfolk for the American patriots. Norfolk became a hub for military supplies and a base of operations for American privateers, who harassed British shipping along the coast.

Despite its immense significance, the Battle of Great Bridge has been largely forgotten in the annals of American history. But its legacy remains etched in the foundation of the United States. It was a moment when ordinary men and women stood up to tyranny, their courage and determination shaping the destiny of a nation.

As we remember the sacrifices of those who fought for American independence, let us not forget the Battle of Great Bridge, the forgotten battle that changed the course of the American Revolution.

Delve deeper into the incredible story of the Battle of Great Bridge with our upcoming book, "America's Most Forgotten Battle: The Battle That Changed the Course of the American Revolution." Immerse yourself in the heroism, strategy, and legacy of this pivotal battle that shaped the destiny of a nation.

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Kings Mountain: America's Most Forgotten Battle That Changed the Course of the American Revolution

by Reginald Pelham Bolton

5 out of 5