VisitMathews

Battle of Cricket Hill 250th Anniversary Celebration
July 10–12, 2026 | Gwynn’s Island, Virginia

Step back into 1776 and experience history where it happened during the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Cricket Hill on historic Gwynn’s Island, Virginia.

This three-day commemorative event will bring the Revolutionary War era to life through immersive reenactments, living history encampments, colonial demonstrations, historic vessels, and family-friendly educational experiences honoring one of Virginia’s important Revolutionary War engagements.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore authentic military camps where Revolutionary War reenactors and their camp followers recreate daily colonial life. Throughout the weekend, guests can interact with soldiers, sailors, tradespeople, and interpreters while learning about the events surrounding the Battle of Cricket Hill and the defense of Virginia’s waterways in 1776.

One of the featured attractions will be the replica 18th-century schooner Luna, docked at the Hatchery alongside additional colonial watercraft. Guests may tour the vessel and learn about maritime life during the Revolutionary era.

Live battle reenactments will take place throughout the weekend, featuring British forces on Gwynn’s Island and Patriot troops positioned across the mainland at Morningstar Marinas. The reenactments will include dramatic cannon, mortar, and musket demonstrations as reenactors recreate the sounds and atmosphere of the historic conflict.

Reenactment Schedule
Saturday: 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM

Additional activities throughout the weekend will include:

Colonial sutlers and vendors
Living history demonstrations
Historic interpretation programs
Encampment tours
Maritime displays
Educational family activities

This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Event Information

Dates:
Friday, July 10, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026

Location:
Gwynn’s Island Civic League
1996 Old Ferry Road
Grimstead, VA 23064

Admission:
Free

Contact:
Michael Rhodes
804-929-1444
m250bch@gmail.com

About the Battle of Cricket Hill

The Battle of Cricket Hill took place on July 9, 1776, during the American Revolution. The conflict centered around British forces occupying Gwynn’s Island under the command of Lord Dunmore, Virginia’s last royal governor. Patriot forces launched attacks against the British position, contributing to Dunmore’s eventual departure from Virginia and marking an important moment in the fight for independence in the Chesapeake region.

Join us as we commemorate 250 years of history, courage, and community on Gwynn’s Island.

Battle of Cricket Hill 250th Anniversary Celebration
July 10–12, 2026 | Gwynn’s Island, Virginia

Step back into 1776 and experience history where it happened during the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the Battle of Cricket Hill on historic Gwynn’s Island, Virginia.

This three-day commemorative event will bring the Revolutionary War era to life through immersive reenactments, living history encampments, colonial demonstrations, historic vessels, and family-friendly educational experiences honoring one of Virginia’s important Revolutionary War engagements.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore authentic military camps where Revolutionary War reenactors and their camp followers recreate daily colonial life. Throughout the weekend, guests can interact with soldiers, sailors, tradespeople, and interpreters while learning about the events surrounding the Battle of Cricket Hill and the defense of Virginia’s waterways in 1776.

One of the featured attractions will be the replica 18th-century schooner Luna, docked at the Hatchery alongside additional colonial watercraft. Guests may tour the vessel and learn about maritime life during the Revolutionary era.

Live battle reenactments will take place throughout the weekend, featuring British forces on Gwynn’s Island and Patriot troops positioned across the mainland at Morningstar Marinas. The reenactments will include dramatic cannon, mortar, and musket demonstrations as reenactors recreate the sounds and atmosphere of the historic conflict.

Reenactment Schedule
Saturday: 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM

Additional activities throughout the weekend will include:

Colonial sutlers and vendors
Living history demonstrations
Historic interpretation programs
Encampment tours
Maritime displays
Educational family activities

This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Event Information

Dates:
Friday, July 10, 2026 – Sunday, July 12, 2026

Location:
Gwynn’s Island Civic League
1996 Old Ferry Road
Grimstead, VA 23064

Admission:
Free

Contact:
Michael Rhodes
804-929-1444
m250bch@gmail.com

About the Battle of Cricket Hill

The Battle of Cricket Hill took place on July 9, 1776, during the American Revolution. The conflict centered around British forces occupying Gwynn’s Island under the command of Lord Dunmore, Virginia’s last royal governor. Patriot forces launched attacks against the British position, contributing to Dunmore’s eventual departure from Virginia and marking an important moment in the fight for independence in the Chesapeake region.

Join us as we commemorate 250 years of history, courage, and community on Gwynn’s Island.

Battle of Cricket Hill 250th Anniversary Ceremonies
July 9, 2026 | Gwynn’s Island, Virginia

Join historians, lineage societies, military representatives, and community members for a special commemorative ceremony honoring the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Cricket Hill and the events that unfolded on Gwynn’s Island during the American Revolution.

Presented in partnership by the Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Mathews VA250 Committee, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and the American Society of Le Souvenir Français, this formal ceremony commemorates the Revolutionary War battle that helped drive British forces from Virginia in 1776.

The event will bring together members of SAR, DAR, C.A.R., historical organizations, and the public for a meaningful day of remembrance, interpretation, and patriotism honoring the people and events that shaped America’s fight for independence.

Ceremonial activities will include:

Memorial marker dedication
Interpretive sign dedication
Wreath-laying ceremony
SAR Color Guard presentation
Musical performances by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band
Participation by a French Army contingent of NATO

The ceremony will also feature keynote speaker Andrew Lawler, acclaimed author of A Perfect Frenzy, who will discuss the historical significance of the Revolutionary events that unfolded in Virginia and the Chesapeake region during 1776.

Registration

Advance registration is requested for this commemorative ceremony.

Registration deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026.

Contact Information

Michael Rhodes
804-929-1444
m250bch@gmail.com

Help commemorate 250 years of American independence as Mathews County honors the legacy of the Battle of Cricket Hill and the Revolutionary spirit that shaped Virginia’s history.