Hampton Roads Center , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Battle of Big Bethel

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2017

1. Battle of Big Bethel Marker

Inscription. On June 10, 1861, Confederate forces under Colonel John Bankhead Magruder engaged numerically superior Federal forces under Brigadier General Ebenzer W. Pierce in what is recognized as the first planned land engagement of the Civil War.

After a hotly contested struggle of four hours duration near Big Bethel Church, the Federal assault was repulsed and Pierce withdrew his men to Fort Monroe and Camp Butler. The Federals sustained 76 casualties, the Confederates 8. The South was jubilant over this signal victory.

Erected by Bethel Chapter U.D.C.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 10, 1861.

Location. 37° 5.49′ N, 76° 25.565′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Hampton Roads Center. It can be reached from Big Bethel Road (Virginia Route 600) 0.1 miles north of Semple Farm Road, on the left when traveling north. Located in Bethel Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hampton VA 23666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Peninsula

and in Coastal Virginia.

It is

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also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (here, next to this marker); Battle of Big Bethel Union Monument (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Big Bethel (within

Battle of Big Bethel UDC Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2017

2. Battle of Big Bethel UDC Marker

shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.

Battle of Big Bethel Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2017

3. Battle of Big Bethel Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 713 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on November 30, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.