A British victory at Kemp's Landing preceded Dunmore's Proclamation offering freedom to enslaved people who joined British forces, escalating Virginia's role in the Revolutionary War.
Key Facts
- Date
- November 15, 1775
- Conflict
- American Revolutionary War
- Location
- Kemp's Landing, Princess Anne County, Virginia
- British commander
- John Murray, Lord Dunmore
- Outcome
- British victory; Patriot militia ambush routed
- Proclamation issued
- Dunmore's Proclamation declaring martial law
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Lord Dunmore, Virginia's last royal governor, landed British troops near Great Bridge to investigate reports of Patriot reinforcements arriving from North Carolina. Finding the rumors false, he redirected his forces against the Princess Anne County militia, who had assembled at Kemp's Landing to oppose the British presence.
On November 15, 1775, the Princess Anne militia attempted an ambush of Dunmore's British troops at Kemp's Landing. The ambush failed; Dunmore's forces defeated and routed the militia in a brief skirmish, securing a small but morale-boosting victory for the British in Virginia.
Following the victory, Dunmore read his proclamation declaring martial law and offering freedom to enslaved people owned by Patriots who joined the British military. This act intensified colonial opposition throughout Virginia, ultimately contributing to Dunmore's inability to maintain a foothold and his eventual forced departure from the colony.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
John Murray, Lord Dunmore.
Side B
1 belligerent