North Virginia Beach , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The War of 1812 / President – Little Belt Affair
President-Little Belt Affair. British and French harassment of United States merchant vessels, including British impressments of American seaman, resulted in U.S. Naval patrols along the Atlantic coast early in the 19th century. The 44-gun USF President, commanded by Comm. John Rodgers, sighted an unidentified foreign warship off Cape Henry and followed it southward on 16 May 1811. Communication problems created confusion, and the ships exchanged broadsides. The foreign ship, identified the next morning as the 20-gun British sloop Little Belt, was badly damaged. This incident amplified disagreement about freedom of the seas, which contributed to the U.S. declaration of war against Britain in June 1812.
Erected 2010 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KV-18.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1811.
Location. 36° 51.129′ N, 75° 58.523′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in North Virginia Beach. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 24th Street. Located in the rear, NE corner of the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Replica Race Point Surfboat (a few steps from this marker); Old Coast Guard Station (a few steps from this marker); The Life-Saving Station (a few steps from this marker); U.S. Coast Guard Virginia Lifeboat Stations (a few steps from this marker); The United States Life-Saving Service Stations & Crews (a few steps from this marker); Outer planking from a vessel (a few steps from this marker); U-boats Off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (within shouting distance of this marker); 24th Street Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.
Additional keywords. The War of 1812 / President – Little Belt Affair
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2017, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 368 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2017, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.