Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
François Joseph Paul de Grasse
| — | [Cape Henry Memorial, Colonial National Historical Park] | — |
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, August 9, 2010
1. François Joseph Paul de Grasse Marker
This statue, a gift from France is placed here, overlooking the waters where Admiral Comte de Grasse successfully engaged the British Fleet on September 5, 1781. The “Battle of the Capes” prevented crucial reinforcements from reaching Cornwallis, thus hastening his surrender.
Dedicated in grateful remembrance of the decisive contribution of Admiral de Grasse to the winning of the American independence. October 17, 1976
Erected 1976 by The Government of France.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Military • Notable Events • War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Washington-Rochambeau Route series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1951.
Location. 36° 55.691′ N, 76° 0.568′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in Fort Story. It can be reached from Atlantic Avenue. Follow U.S. 60 (Atlantic Avenue/Shore Road) into the First Landing State Park and enter the Fort Story military compound. Obtain directions at gate and proceed to the Cape Henry Memorial parking lot - corner of Atlantic Avenue and New Guinea Road. The memorial site is within Fort Story, but it is part of the National
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, specifically in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is 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: French British Naval Engagement Off the Virginia Capes (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of the Capes 1781 (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Henry Memorial Cross (within shouting distance of this marker); Gateway to the Chesapeake Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); Cape Henry Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of the Capes (within shouting distance of this marker); First Landing (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Cape Henry Lighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. François Joseph Paul de Grasse. (Submitted on October 14, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. French Navy. (Submitted on October 14, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
3. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, National Park Service. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
4. The National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association Inc. (Submitted on August 19, 2019.)
Additional keywords.
By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2025
2. François Joseph Paul de Grasse Memorial
The statue remains standing at the site.
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, September 27, 2009
3. Statue of Admiral Comte de Grasse
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, September 27, 2009
4. The Cape Henry National, Colonial National Historical Parkl
Photographed by Wikipedia
5. Admiral François Joseph Paul, marquis de Grasse Tilly, comte de Grasse (1722-1788)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,772 times since then and 140 times this year. Last updated on July 13, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on December 22, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on June 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on October 13, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5. submitted on October 14, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
