Billy Flora, a free Black sentry at the Battle of Great Bridge, fired the first shot and held his position under heavy fire. His last-minute move to slow the British advance shaped how the battle unfolded. This episode looks at his actions and why they mattered.

Billy Flora, a free Black sentry at the Battle of Great Bridge, fired the first shot and held his position under heavy fire. His last-minute move to slow the British advance shaped how the battle unfolded. This episode looks at his actions and why they mattered.

Billy Flora – The Man Who Held the Bridge

The American Revolution offers countless remarkable stories of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things—from the call for independence in 1776 Philadelphia to the improbable surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Hampton Roads, with its deep harbors and strategic position in the prosperous Virginia colony, played a distinct role in that history.
As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, WHRO presents Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore, a chronicle of America's semi-quincentennial through the people, actions, and events that have shaped our country. This weekly feature offers a fresh and intriguing look at American independence through our region's unique lens.
This podcast is independently produced in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and is not officially affiliated with any national or state Revolution 250 organizations.

History

The American Revolution offers countless remarkable stories of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things—from the call for independence in 1776 Philadelphia to the improbable surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Hampton Roads, with its deep harbors and strategic position in the prosperous Virginia colony, played a distinct role in that history. As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, WHRO presents Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore, a chronicle of America's semi-quincentennial through the people, actions, and events that have shaped our country. This weekly feature offers a fresh and intriguing look at American independence through our region's unique lens. This podcast is independently produced in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and is not officially affiliated with any national or state Revolution 250 organizations.

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Billy Flora – The Man Who Held the Bridge

Billy Flora – The Man Who Held the Bridge

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