Portsmouth, Norfolk to commemorate bicentennial of War of 1812’s Battle of Craney Island

The Washington Post

By Associated Press, Monday, June 3, 5:28 AM

NORFOLK, Va. — The Civil War isn’t the only conflict being commemorated in Virginia this year.

Portsmouth and Norfolk are holding events to mark the 200th anniversary of a War of 1812 battle.

The Battle of Craney Island occurred on June 22, 1813, when a British force launched assaults on the island. The British abandoned the assaults after they encountered artillery fire by the Americans.

The battle’s bicentennial will be commemorated at Fort Norfolk on June 22.

Battle of Craney Island Bicentennial Committee chairman Chris Melhuish says the event will include a victory ceremony, a wreath-laying and victory bell peal from participating churches in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Other events include a public picnic June 23 at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve.

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