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It was a narrow wooden bridge situated over the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in difficult terrain amid bogs and swampland, accessible only by narrow causeways on both the north and south sides.

The redcoats had established an earthen redoubt fortification on the north end, while patriots had thrown up breastworks on the southern side.

A battle here lasting less than one hour just south of Norfolk on Dec. 9, 1775, between British forces and colonial militia — 250 years ago — was a turning point that led to the departure of Virginia’s last royal governor, John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, and his troops. The patriots taking control of the most populous colony would allow Virginia, home to key founding fathers, to commit to independenc

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