GLOUCESTER – The Battle of the Hook, a key event in the American Revolution, took place Oct. 3, 1781. This weekend, the Gloucester Museum of History is commemorating the 241st anniversary with an event called “Fire, Smoke & Muskets: Gloucester 1781.”
The living history program, which will include re-enactors and live interpreters, will be held in the Colonial Court Circle from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 1, and 10am to 3pm Sunday, October 2. It will be held rain or shine and is free and open to the public.
“Each October, we commemorate Gloucester’s Battle of the Hook, giving guests the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution,” Robert Kelly, Gloucester’s museums coordinator, said in a press release.
The educational aspects will cover Virginia Standards of Learning for all grades, and will emphasize Virginia studies, African American history, and the Revolutionary War.
There also will be Colonial-era games and music as well as activities for children. The Gloucester Museum of History will be open. The Gloucester Historical Society, Friends of the Gloucester Museum, the 7th Virginia Regiment, and Gloucester’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism department are sponsors of the event. For more information, contact Kelly at (804) 693-1234 or rkelly@gloucesterva.info.
In the Battle of the Hook, the Continental Army, Virginia Militia and French Marines teamed up to prevent British reinforcements from reaching forces on the other side of the York River.