Virginia's Battle of Green Spring
Revolutionary War Fight Between Lafayette and Cornwallis
Nov 13, 2009
Originally the home of Governor Sir William Berkeley during the 1600s, Green Spring Plantation was considered one of the showplace properties of Virginia. With 7,000 acres along the James River, it was known for its agricultural innovation, greenhouses, horses and pottery.
The main house was located several hundred feet beyond today’s main road (Route 614) that is a few miles from Williamsburg. The foundation remnants of the original manor house still exist, but archeological studies have placed any structure remains under protection. A small brick structure with a below ground foundation and about eight-foot high walls can be seen from the main road. This is what is left of an old jail.
Troop Movements
During the summer of 1781, General Lord Cornwallis decided that his situation on the Virginia peninsula was tenuous. For some time, General Henry Clinton had been urging Cornwallis to find a defensive position in the area. Clinton, meanwhile, remained quartered in New York, watching for a possible attack by George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau. Cornwallis eventually opted to dig in at Yorktown, and that decision sealed his fate and that of the British Empire in America.
Prior to settling in Yorktown, Cornwallis left his base at Williamsburg during early July and marched toward Jamestown. His objective was to cross the James River and reach Portsmouth. Since American and British forces were shadowing each other throughout 1781 in Virginia, the Marquis de Lafayette had General Anthony Wayne keep an eye on Cornwallis. American troops were camped on the Green Spring property and about 500 of them watched the British rear guard.
The Fight at Green Spring
At Jamestown, Cornwallis attempted to draw the American forces into a trap when he realized that his forces would be vulnerable to attack as they tried to cross the river for Portsmouth. To deceive the Americans, Cornwallis hid most of his army along Powhatan Creek near Jamestown and along a swamp that lies a mile or two east of the site of the Green Spring manor house.
Wayne’s troops skirmished with the British rear guard on Friday afternoon July 6 as Cornwallis hoped to lure him and eventually Lafayette deeper into the trap. The Frenchman, not totally convinced that the British were really leaving the peninsula without one last attempt at a general engagement, ordered the main body of his army to catch up with Wayne.
Lafayette, who had personally reconnoitered the area along the river, anticipated Cornwallis’ plan and quickly warned Wayne. Unfortunately, he was too late. Wayne suddenly found himself facing not only Cornwallis’ rear guard but his entire force.
Wayne saw the British army deploy before him as it prepared for an attack. With both armies in battle ready position, Wayne did not hesitate to push the action. Aware that the British lines extended beyond his flanks, he decided to charge. This surprised the British. They did rake the American lines with cannon grapeshot and musket fire, but the British did not advance.
Lafayette appeared on the field and he held Wayne’s men, mostly Pennsylvanians, in formation as they withdrew in good order. During this withdrawal coordination, Lafayette had two horses shot from under him. The result of the fight was the loss of about 130 Americans killed and wounded. The British lost about 75. Wayne and his men retreated the short distance to the Green Spring manor area. With daylight now gone, Cornwallis lost his chance to pursue the Americans and he decided to resume his crossing of the James.
The Site Today
About 200 acres of the original Green Spring Plantation are preserved as part of the Colonial National Historical Park. The site includes archaeological and architectural remnants of the manor house and ancillary structures. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 29, 1978.
However, the property is not open to the public. To see some of the property, park along Route 614 after passing a sign that reads “Green Spring Plantation.” From this vantage point, the remains of the jail can be seen. The manor house was located on the hill rising above the jail.
To find the battle site, leave the Green Spring manor property, travel along today’s Route 614 and then follow the signs for the Jamestown Plantation. The road heads in the direction of Powhatan Creek, where Cornwallis tried to trick the American troops.
The scene of battle is adjacent to several roadside markers that overlook an open field. The trees beyond the field mark the swamp where the British hid while waiting for Wayne. Cornwallis planned to embark where the Jamestown restoration now is located. By facing the direction of the Green Spring manor house, the James River will be positioned on the left.
Green Spring is one of several small engagements that occurred in this area of Virginia before the British surrender at Yorktown. The others include Spencer’s Ordinary and Six Mile Ordinary.
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