Causeways

In the mid-1600s, as early settlers acquired land in the southern part of Norfolk County, a land route was needed to connect the area with people living on the north side of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and its wide marsh. In 1686, the Norfolk County Court ordered that Mr. Tho. Butt serve as head surveyor and make the bridge and a clear road to and from it. With neighbors from nearby plantations, he constructed a half mile system of narrow causeys and four bridges. The longest bridge crossed the Southern Branch and became known as the Great Bridge. The causeys, or causeways, were raised paths or roads crossing the marsh. Together, the bridges and causeways provided the only passage for landward travelers going to Norfolk by way of Kemp’s Landing. The passage led to development of the Great Road, making possible the transportation of goods, supplies, and livestock from North Carolina to markets in Virginia. Governor Dunmore regarded the crossing as a very essential pass into this part of the country, and it became so important to both the American Patriots and the British that both sides were willing to fight a battle to the death to control it.

Chesapeake, Virginia · United States