Battle of New Orleans.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Unearthing a Secret from the War of 1812

From the June 21, 2013, Hampton Roads (Va.) Daily Press by Mark St. John Erickson.

Another of those informative articles by the War of 1812 expert (also pretty good on the Civil War).

In 2004, Williamsburg archaeologist Alain Outlaw got a chance to probe a long-lost piece of Fort Norfolk just two weeks in advance of a downtown waterfront development project.

The City of Norfolk demolished a giant early 20th century warehouse that had covered the site.

Outlaw unearthed the remains of a defensive palisade thrown up by the Virginia militia to protect the fort from land attack.  The palisade was built by troops under the command of Captain Walker K. Armistead, and Army Corps of Engineers officer.  A c. 1780s well was also found.

Earlier fortifications dating to the War of 1812 have been destroyed, including the defensive works on Craney Island and Fort nelson, across the Elizabeth River from Fort Norfolk, which still remains.

--Brock-Perry

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