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Hampton Roads Heritage Hunt: Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Location:

1) Cape Henry Memorial, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story

Scroll down for more information on this site and for the questions to answer!


people gather around a cross on the beach
Caption: Interpretation of Chaplain Robert Hunt’s blessing at Cape Henry, or what some refer to as the “the first thanksgiving.”

 

Location: Cape Henry Memorial

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story

New Guinea Road

Title: Listen to this clip to learn more about the first landing at Cape Henry.

Settlers constructing a fort at Jamestown with three wooden sailing ships in the background
Caption: Painting shows English settlers constructing the first fort at Jamestown in 1607.

 

Heritage Hunt Questions for Cape Henry, Part 1

37) Find the Cape Henry Memorial Cross and take a family photo.

38) What are the two other sites included as part of Colonial National Historical Park?

Battle of the Capes

The Battle of the Capes was one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War. Ultimately, the battle made it possible for the United States to win the war and its independence. Learn about the Battle of the Capes by watching our Local History Spotlight.


men on horses and soldiers on foot meet on the field
Caption: This famous painting by John Trumbull depicts the scene at Surrender Field in Yorktown, Virginia, October 1781. Major General Benjamin Lincoln accepts General Cornwallis’s surrender from British General Charles O’ Hara. George Washington sits on his horse in the background. The British surrender at Yorktown was the direct result of the French victory at the Battle of the Capes.

 

Heritage Hunt Questions for Cape Henry, Part 2

39) Find the statue of Francois Joseph Paul, the Comte de Grasse, and take a family photo.

40) Find the map entitled “A line of Battle.” On September 5, 1781, Admiral Graves ordered his ships to turn, maintain a line of battle, and align with the French simultaneously. What time did he give that order?

Check it out! The Cape Henry Lighthouses are within walking distance. They are located at 583 Atlantic Avenue. The original stone lighthouse was built by John McComb Jr. in 1792. Just 350 feet away from the original is the 1881 lighthouse, painted black and white. It is still in service today. Historical interpretation about the lighthouse and other landmarks are within the general vicinity.

Check it out! Drive down Atlantic Ave and continue south on Pacific Ave to the oceanfront to check out the Navy SEAL Monument (38th Street, Oceanfront Bike Path) and the Naval Aviation Monument (25th Street & 2500 Atlantic Ave). Both monuments are located on the boardwalk. See Local History Spotlights below.

Navy SEAL Monument, Local History Spotlight

Naval Aviation Monument, Local History Spotlight

 

41) Your Final Question! Name one thing you learned from your journey across Hampton Roads that you did not know before you started the Heritage Hunt.

 

Congratulations!

You have completed the Hampton Roads Heritage Hunt. Please bring your answers and phone pics to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum front desk to receive your certificate of completion.


ships in line-of-battle formation, Rev War
Caption: Click on the image to download the Heritage Hunt answer key!
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Published: Thu Jun 27 08:13:35 EDT 2024