A Post Such As Portsmouth is a 2-day re-enactment designed to entertain and educate the public of the occupation of Portsmouth by the British forces in 1781. It is open and free to everyone; and it features a variety of civilian and military impressions, as well as members of the Royal Navy. The event takes place March 26-27, 2022 at the corner of High and Court Streets (the old courthouse) in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.
Dress up in Colonial / Revolutionary War costumes and join the reenactors portraying soldiers or citizens and help us transform the downtown area of “Historic Olde Towne” Portsmouth into “18th Century Town”. Here’s your chance to dress up as a 18th century civilian, Tradespeople, Musician, British Soldier, Queens Ranger, Jager, American Legion, or Loyalists!
Setting the Stage
Map of the Fortifications of Portsmouth
On New Year’s Day, 1776, a full six months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, war was at hand on the Elizabeth River. The British had suffered a terrible defeat at Great Bridge just a month earlier, (thanks in no small part to the role played by Portsmouth’s own Billy Flora) when the North Carolina and Virginia regiments joined forces to keep the British out of northeastern North Carolina and the Albemarle Sound. Instead of celebrating the New Year, the citizens of one of the colony’s largest cities found themselves confronted with round-the-clock cannon fire from British ships positioned in the Elizabeth River. The rebel/patriot leaders soon realized that they would not be able to hold onto the City of Norfolk for much longer, so under the leadership of Colonel’s Howe and Woodford, the decision was made to finish the destruction of Norfolk to prevent the British from acquiring its strategic advantages. This decision proved to be one of the most far-reaching strategic military decisions of the war for Independence.
Benedict Arnold-Photo credit-Library of Congress
Fast forward to 1781. Portsmouth had suffered only minor damage in the shelling of Norfolk back in 1776. The infrastructure was in good standing and the population, consisting of both those loyal to the British and loyal to the cause for independence, was strong. Preceding the arrival of General Cornwallis into Portsmouth, Virginia, the infamous traitor, now British General, Benedict Arnold, leads a British force into Hampton Roads. Occupying Portsmouth as their base, along with Colonel Simcoe’s Queen’s Rangers and Captain Ewald’s Jaegers, the British conducted raids in Hampton Roads, and skirmished with Virginia’s forces including Major Weeks at Kempe’s Landing and Great Bridge. General Lafayette led a failed assault on the British post in March 1781, signifying the city’s importance to the beginning and ending of the Revolution in Virginia. As spring approaches, the British await Lord Cornwallis as he and his army campaigns through North Carolina.
Download this brochure to your mobile device or pick up a printed guide on the day of the event.
Event Overview
This is where our event begins. Join us for:
Living History Encampments portraying the British Occupation of Portsmouth, VA during Winter /Spring 1781.
British & Patriot Forces, and Civilians portraying Activities and History Vignettes in historic Olde Towne Portsmouth.
Interactions with each other and the Public through multiple short skits / vignettes and demonstrations throughout the day.
Public entertainment and education on Portsmouth’s diverse history
Saturday:
►09:00 am: Welcome Center (Formation)
Flag Raising.
Military Formation (Army/Navy) & Civilians.
Civilians “open market”
Council of War: Unit Commanders & Event Coordinators; overview of camp
►10:00 am:
Period Vignette: Press Gang
British Army DRILL.
►11:00 am: “Tattoo” March & Call to Arms.
Olde Towne Arts & Music Children’s Choir
►12:00 am:
Army Foraging Party (Lunch).
►01:00 pm:
Period Vignette: Arrest of a Spy.
Period Vignette: Trial & Courts Martial
►02:00 pm:
Civilian is brought into camp with captured militia reports of Lafayette’s forces (March 18, 1781).
►03:00 pm:
Period Vignette: Report of Skirmish at Scott’s Creek (March 19, 1781).
►04:00 pm:
Period Vignette: (Formation of All Participants) General Arnold Speech
Close camp/close event/stand down.
Spectators depart.
Sunday:
►10:30 am – 11:30 am
18th century church service at Trinity Episcopal Church
►11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Living history displays continued and vignettes as available
Other Activities:
Olde Towne History Walk (Provided by “Mary Veal & the Colonials” Tour Group):TOUR TIMES DEPENDING ON ATTENDANCE (Additional Tours may be added):10 am (Saturday only);12 pm; 2 pm; 4 pm (Saturday only).
On “Dressing Up”: You are encouraged to dress up as 18th Century American Revolution characters and interact. There are many Options for obtaining 18th Century Colonial (American Revolution) Costumes. You can order items On-Line from Reenactor sites such as: https://www.townsends.us/, go with a less expensive items by simply buying various levels of Costumes on-line (Esty, amazon, etc.), or you can even make your Own!!!
Youth of Portsmouth: The British Amy will “March” to Red Lion Park (Middle St/Glasgow St) were you are invited to “Join the Army” and March with us to the Old Courthouse (Portsmouth Arts/Cultural Center: High St/Court St) for “Military Drill”.
***(Parents, Please Note: You Must Stay with your Children as NO ONE is assuming responsibility for them. They are Only Inviting them (and You) to “march” with us to the Old Courthouse and they will be allowed to Participate with them in a “Military Drill” (with Wooden “Musket” Cutouts), after which they are Free to Go on their own.
Farmer’s Market: Enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, handcrafted items, or even specially items. Perfect place to find locally sourced good and know you’re helping the local economy.
About Portsmouth History
Explored by Captain John Smith as early as 1609, Portsmouth was founded as a town (now called Historic Olde Towne) in 1752, on 65 acres of land on the shores of the Elizabeth River. The town was founded by William Crawford, a wealthy merchant and ship owner who at various times had held office as the Norfolk County presiding court judge, high sheriff, militia lieutenant colonel and representative to the House of Burgesses. Because of his militia service, he is frequently referred to as “Colonel Crawford.” The 65 acres were part of Colonel Crawford’s extensive plantation and were constituted as a town by an enabling act of the General Assembly of Virginia. The town was named after the English naval port of that name, and many of the streets of the new town reflected the English heritage.
The town already had a rich history by the time it was separated from the county government and given status as an independent city in 1858. Its location as an East Coast deep-water port has been the common denominator of the City’s development throughout its centuries of growth. Click here for a Chronology of Historically Significant Events in Portsmouth.
Present Day Olde Towne
From its antique and specialty stores to its tree-lined streets, Olde Towne Portsmouth is much more than one of the region’s most pleasant places to take a stroll. It’s a history lover’s dream come true. In a single square mile, the Olde Towne Historic District contains one of America’s largest collections of architecturally noteworthy 18th and 19th century homes and churches, along with a delightful selection of restaurants and specialty shops.
Portsmouth was founded on this site across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk in 1752 by Colonel William Crawford, a merchant and ship owner who named the new town after his home in England. In addition to its historic past, the Olde Towne today is home to major attractions that promise fun for the whole family.
A Post Such As Portsmouth in 1781
February 10, 2022
British Occupation of Portsmouth in 1781
A Post Such As Portsmouth is a 2-day re-enactment designed to entertain and educate the public of the occupation of Portsmouth by the British forces in 1781. It is open and free to everyone; and it features a variety of civilian and military impressions, as well as members of the Royal Navy. The event takes place March 26-27, 2022 at the corner of High and Court Streets (the old courthouse) in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia.
Dress up in Colonial / Revolutionary War costumes and join the reenactors portraying soldiers or citizens and help us transform the downtown area of “Historic Olde Towne” Portsmouth into “18th Century Town”. Here’s your chance to dress up as a 18th century civilian, Tradespeople, Musician, British Soldier, Queens Ranger, Jager, American Legion, or Loyalists!
Setting the Stage
Map of the Fortifications of Portsmouth
On New Year’s Day, 1776, a full six months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, war was at hand on the Elizabeth River. The British had suffered a terrible defeat at Great Bridge just a month earlier, (thanks in no small part to the role played by Portsmouth’s own Billy Flora) when the North Carolina and Virginia regiments joined forces to keep the British out of northeastern North Carolina and the Albemarle Sound. Instead of celebrating the New Year, the citizens of one of the colony’s largest cities found themselves confronted with round-the-clock cannon fire from British ships positioned in the Elizabeth River. The rebel/patriot leaders soon realized that they would not be able to hold onto the City of Norfolk for much longer, so under the leadership of Colonel’s Howe and Woodford, the decision was made to finish the destruction of Norfolk to prevent the British from acquiring its strategic advantages. This decision proved to be one of the most far-reaching strategic military decisions of the war for Independence.
Benedict Arnold-Photo credit-Library of Congress
Fast forward to 1781. Portsmouth had suffered only minor damage in the shelling of Norfolk back in 1776. The infrastructure was in good standing and the population, consisting of both those loyal to the British and loyal to the cause for independence, was strong. Preceding the arrival of General Cornwallis into Portsmouth, Virginia, the infamous traitor, now British General, Benedict Arnold, leads a British force into Hampton Roads. Occupying Portsmouth as their base, along with Colonel Simcoe’s Queen’s Rangers and Captain Ewald’s Jaegers, the British conducted raids in Hampton Roads, and skirmished with Virginia’s forces including Major Weeks at Kempe’s Landing and Great Bridge. General Lafayette led a failed assault on the British post in March 1781, signifying the city’s importance to the beginning and ending of the Revolution in Virginia. As spring approaches, the British await Lord Cornwallis as he and his army campaigns through North Carolina.
Download this brochure to your mobile device or pick up a printed guide on the day of the event.
Event Overview
This is where our event begins. Join us for:
Event Date:
MARCH 26-27, 2022- Saturday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm & Sunday, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Event Timeline
Saturday:
►09:00 am: Welcome Center (Formation)
Flag Raising.
Military Formation (Army/Navy) & Civilians.
Civilians “open market”
Council of War: Unit Commanders & Event Coordinators; overview of camp
►10:00 am:
Period Vignette: Press Gang
British Army DRILL.
►11:00 am:
“Tattoo” March & Call to Arms.
Olde Towne Arts & Music Children’s Choir
►12:00 am:
Army Foraging Party (Lunch).
►01:00 pm:
Period Vignette: Arrest of a Spy.
Period Vignette: Trial & Courts Martial
►02:00 pm:
Civilian is brought into camp with captured militia reports of Lafayette’s forces (March 18, 1781).
►03:00 pm:
Period Vignette: Report of Skirmish at Scott’s Creek (March 19, 1781).
►04:00 pm:
Period Vignette: (Formation of All Participants) General Arnold Speech
Close camp/close event/stand down.
Spectators depart.
Sunday:
►10:30 am – 11:30 am
18th century church service at Trinity Episcopal Church
►11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Living history displays continued and vignettes as available
Other Activities:
On “Dressing Up
”: You are encouraged to dress up as 18th Century American Revolution characters and interact. There are many Options for obtaining 18th Century Colonial (American Revolution) Costumes. You can order items On-Line from Reenactor sites such as: https://www.townsends.us/, go with a less expensive items by simply buying various levels of Costumes on-line (Esty, amazon, etc.), or you can even make your Own!!!
Youth of Portsmouth: The British Amy will “March” to Red Lion Park (Middle St/Glasgow St) were you are invited to “Join the Army” and March with us to the Old Courthouse (Portsmouth Arts/Cultural Center: High St/Court St) for “Military Drill”.
***(Parents, Please Note: You Must Stay with your Children as NO ONE is assuming responsibility for them. They are Only Inviting them (and You) to “march” with us to the Old Courthouse and they will be allowed to Participate with them in a “Military Drill” (with Wooden “Musket” Cutouts), after which they are Free to Go on their own.
Farmer’s Market: Enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, handcrafted items, or even specially items. Perfect place to find locally sourced good and know you’re helping the local economy.
About Portsmouth History
Present Day Olde Towne
From its antique and specialty stores to its tree-lined streets, Olde Towne Portsmouth is much more than one of the region’s most pleasant places to take a stroll. It’s a history lover’s dream come true. In a single square mile, the Olde Towne Historic District contains one of America’s largest collections of architecturally noteworthy 18th and 19th century homes and churches, along with a delightful selection of restaurants and specialty shops.
Portsmouth was founded on this site across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk in 1752 by Colonel William Crawford, a merchant and ship owner who named the new town after his home in England. In addition to its historic past, the Olde Towne today is home to major attractions that promise fun for the whole family.