Near Nokomis in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
British Raids on the Coan River
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 30, 2009
1. British Raids on the Coan River Marker
Inscription.
British Raids on the Coan River. . During the War of 18 12, on 7 Aug. 1814 ten British ships and smaller vessels appeared on the Coan River, which flows into the Potomac. The invaders sent three barges to capture three American schooners situated within two miles of Northumberland Court House. The Lancaster County militia repulsed the attack until British reinforcements arrived. Before leaving, the British seized the schooners and destroyed property at Northumberland Court House. On 4 Oct. 1814, two British detachments of 3,000 infantry invaded Northumberland County from the Coan River. After initially resisting, the outnumbered militia retreated. The British captured ammunition, arms, and personal property before debarking.
During the War of 1812, on 7 Aug. 1814 ten
British ships and smaller vessels appeared on
the Coan River, which flows into the Potomac.
The invaders sent three barges to capture
three American schooners situated within two
miles of Northumberland Court House. The
Lancaster County militia repulsed the attack
until British reinforcements arrived. Before
leaving, the British seized the schooners and
destroyed property at Northumberland Court
House. On 4 Oct. 1814, two British detachments
of 3,000 infantry invaded Northumberland
County from the Coan River. After initially
resisting, the outnumbered militia retreated.
The British captured ammunition, arms, and
personal property before debarking.
Erected 2001 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number JT-9.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 7, 1814.
Location. 37° 56.154′ N, 76° 30.141′ W. Marker is near Nokomis, Virginia, in Northumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of Northumberland Highway (U.S. 360) and Forrest Landing Road (County Route 612), on the right when traveling west on Northumberland
More about this marker. It appears the last word of the inscription should read “embarking” rather than “debarking.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 30, 2009
2. British Raids on the Coan River Marker
Photographed By 2, October 26, 2020
3. British Raids on the Coan River Marker
(Facing southeast towards marker, which is partially obscured by bushes.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,200 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on October 27, 2020.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the Coan River • Can you help?