James City County’s Freedom Park has received a generous donation from the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The group has dedicated a permanent interpretive sign commemorating the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary, which occurred in the park in 1781. A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. in the Freedom Park Interpretive Center to mark the acceptance of the gift. Guest speaker is Martha McCartney, award-winning research historian and author.
The interpretive sign can be seen on the walkway leading to the Interpretive Center and describes the engagement and features a map of the battle drawn by Lieutenant Colonel John Simcoe, a British officer involved in the battle.
The Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary was fought on June 26, 1781 between light detachment forces of the armies of the Marquis de Lafayette and General Lord Cornwallis. The battlefield now lies within Freedom Park and the surrounding area. Ceremonies to mark the anniversary of the battle will be held June 26 in the park.
Media Contact: Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov