Yorktown in York County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Brig Betsy
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, April 20, 2013
1. The Brig Betsy Marker
Inscription.
The Brig Betsy. . What remains of the Betsy lies on the bottom of the York River just beyond the end of this pier. A two-masted brig, originally built to carry coal, the Betsy was one of more than a dozen vessels deliberately scuttled, or sunk, by the British in September 1781 just off the Yorktown waterfront. Beginning in 1982, Virginia Department of Historic Resources archaeologists excavated parts of the ship as well as hundreds of other artifacts. A temporary steel cofferdam eliminated dangerous currents and also allowed for improved visibility. Much of the ship’s hull and framing had survived after more than 200 years. Among the artifacts recovered from the 175-foot-long brig were weapons, rigging, barrels, a cannon carriage, and personal objects from the captain’s cabin., (captions) , Original art by Roy Andersen, courtesy of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Photo courtesy of David L. Justis, M.D. , Courtesy of Bates Littlehales, Photographer.
What remains of the Betsy lies on the bottom of the York River just beyond the end of this pier. A two-masted brig, originally built to carry coal, the Betsy was one of more than a dozen vessels deliberately scuttled, or sunk, by the British in September 1781 just off the Yorktown waterfront. Beginning in 1982, Virginia Department of Historic Resources archaeologists excavated parts of the ship as well as hundreds of other artifacts. A temporary steel cofferdam eliminated dangerous currents and also allowed for improved visibility. Much of the ship’s hull and framing had survived after more than 200 years. Among the artifacts recovered from the 175-foot-long brig were weapons, rigging, barrels, a cannon carriage, and personal objects from the captain’s cabin.
(captions)
Original art by Roy Andersen, courtesy of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Photo courtesy of David L. Justis, M.D.
Courtesy of Bates Littlehales, Photographer.
Erected 2010 by York County.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1781.
Location. 37° 14.092′ N, 76° 30.284′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Virginia, in York County
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. Marker can be reached from Water Street west of Comte de Grasse Street, on the right when traveling west. Located along Yorktown's Riverwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yorktown VA 23690, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.