Written by DJH   

Eastern Region Virginia SAR

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The Eastern Region of the Virginia SAR consists of eight chapters in the Northern Neck, Hampton Roads and Tidewater portion of the Commonwealth. The Eastern Virginia saw several significant events during the Revolutionary War from 1774 to 1783, most notably the Siege at Yorktown. Chapter compatriots support their communities through historical observances and commemorative events, youth and education programs, service to veterans, and first responders throughout the Historic Triangle of Colonial Virginia.

Independent Cities in the Eastern Region Virginia SAR include: Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.

Counties included in the eastern region of Virginia are: Gloucester County, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Mathews County, Southampton County, and York County.

For assistance with coordinating upcoming or prospective (new) multi-chapter or regional events, contact:

  • Vice Chair, Chapter Support and Membership (Eastern Region)Gary L. Hall - Dan River Chapter
  • Color Guard Commander (Eastern Region)Kimball Thompson - Great Bridge Chapter

 

Significant Rev War Events for the Eastern Region 

Here are just a few of the many battles fought (and now commemorated on anniversaries) within the Virginia Colony. In 2025, the SAR will participate in special 250th Anniversary Commemorations of events that occurred in 1775. Don't miss out bringing your family and friends to see these unique experiences.

  • Gunpowder Incident (April 20, 1775) - A standoff in Williamsburg where Virginia’s governor, Lord Dunmore, removed gunpowder from the magazine to a Royal Navy ship.
  • Battle of Kemp’s Landing (November 14, 1775) - A British victory where Lord Dunmore’s forces defeated the Patriots.
  • Battle of Great Bridge (December 9, 1775) - A significant Patriot victory that forced Lord Dunmore to evacuate Norfolk.
  • Battle of Gwynn's Island (July 8–10, 1776) - This battle saw the defeat of Lord Dunmore's forces, leading to the end of British control in Virginia
  • Battle of the Chesapeake (or Battle of the Capes) (May 5, 1781) - This crucial naval battle and French victory was strategically decisive as it prevented the British from reinforcing or evacuating their besieged forces at Yorktown, Virginia.
  • Battle of Green Spring (July 6, 1781) - A battle near Jamestown where British forces under Cornwallis clashed with American troops led by Lafayette.
  • Siege of Yorktown (September 28 – October 19, 1781) - The decisive battle where American and French forces besieged General Cornwallis’s army, leading to the British surrender and effectively ending the war.

Chapters of the Eastern Region

 Chapter Name  Communities Web Facebook YouTube
Great Bridge Chesapeake area  Webpage    
James Monroe Colonial Beach / Upper Northern Neck area  Webpage    
Nansemond Indian Patriots Nansemond Indian Nation
/ Isle of Wright / Suffolk area
 Webpage Public Page  
Norfolk Norfolk / Virginia Beach area  Webpage    
Rappahannock Middle Peninsula / Rappahannock River area  Webpage Public Page  
Richard Henry Lee Lower Northern Neck Heritage Area (Lancaster County, Northumberland County, lower Richmond County)  Webpage Public Page  
Thomas Nelson Jr. Newport News / Hampton area  Webpage Public Page  
Williamsburg Williamsburg / Yorktown area  Website Public Page  

 

President General's Education Outreach Award and Streamer

— These Eastern Region chapters that have presented a certain number of new historical presentations or that have presented an existing presentation in a new venue or to a new audience. Virginia SAR chapter award winners include:

2023: Norfolk Chapter
2022: James Monroe Chapter, Norfolk Chapter, Richard Henry Lee Chapter