Patriots assembled at this site in the cause of American freedom in 1775. At the Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775, American Patriots included the Second Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel William Woodford of Caroline County, Virginia, the Culpeper Minute Men, and militia from Norfolk County and Princess Anne County in Virginia and from Currituck County and Pasquotank County in North Carolina. After the battle, additional American Patriots arrived and joined the march into Norfolk, including the Second North Carolina Continental Regiment commanded by Colonel Robert Howe, companies of the First Virginia Regiment, and militia from Amelia County, Nansemond County, and Southampton County. Volunteers from the Halifax District of North Carolina commanded by Colonel Nicholas Long also took part in the battle.