"We’re here at St. Paul’s Church, Norfolk’s oldest building.

Following Royal governor Lord Dunmore’s defeat at Great Bridge on December 8, 1775, Loyalist forces abandoned Norfolk. Dunmore’s command remained aboard warships anchored in the Elizabeth River to await events. Loyalist troops were sent ashore to burn commercial buildings and soon skirmishes erupted with the Virginia militia. Dunmore withdrew his troops, yet the patriot troops continued to ravage and pillage the burning city. Order was finally restored on January 3rd.