While Great Bridge Lock Park embraces only 19 acres on a small peninsula between the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal and the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, it offers an amiable array of comforts and conveniences for local residents.
This little gem of a park was added to the National Park Service’s Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network in 2004 because of its historical and ecological importance. Situated between two historic waterways, the park offers a scenic view of the Elizabeth River as well as up-close views of the elegant yachts that pass through the Corps of Engineers operated locks on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as they transit the busy intracoastal waterway.
Historically speaking, Lock Park is situated in the most historic spots in Chesapeake’s Great Bridge. Across Battlefield Boulevard, the British began their assault on Patriot forces in Great Bridge in 1775. On the Lock Park side of Battlefield Boulevard across the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, Patriot forces repelled the British attack at the Battle of Great Bridge.
“The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum shares the importance of our canal history and how the canals shaped the region,” executive director Elizabeth Goodwin said. “We encourage visitors to explore Lock Park and learn more about this vital waterway.”
The Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal opened for operation in 1859. During the Civil War, the strategic value of the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal was recognized by both the Union and the Confederacy. After Union forces seized control of the canal, defense works were erected to guard the Great Bridge lock. From 1861 until 1865, a total of 8,824 steamers, schooners, lighters, rafts, barges and other vessels in wartime service transited the canal.
A Civil War anchor and chain believed to have belonged to the U.S.S. Hartford is on exhibit in Lock Park. The Union warship achieved fame during the Battle of Mobile Bay when Admiral David Farragut gave his famous order: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”
“I grew up here. I’ve done some boating out here, but this is the first time I’ve used my kayak here,” Great Bridge resident Chris Garris said as he carried his kayak and carried it to the nearby launch ramp. “This place is beautiful. There’s so much natural beauty here, all the birds and wildlife. It’s wonderful.”
Thousands of commercial vessels, everything from tugboats to barges and workboats to pleasure craft still pass through the unique lock system on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal at Great Bridge annually.
