We have so much history right here in Great Bridge. Our team here at Back Roads Automotive wants to be a part of our growth and history also. Many of us live, shop and plan to be here for many years.
Great Bridge played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War! Our kids learn about it in school but here's a reminder. The original bridge can be traced to maps and records dating to 1770. It was 40 yards long and crossed a creek from the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. Five years later, the Battle of Great Bridge took place just six months after the outbreak of hostilities at Lexington and Concord on December 9, 1775, and it was a pivotal victory for the American patriots. The patriots, led by Colonel William Woodford, successfully defended the bridge against British forces under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Leslie. The British suffered significant casualties, while the American losses were minimal.
Did you know? The Great Dismal Swamp Canal was hand dug and opened in 1805. It was widened and deepened to accommodate larger steam vessels in the 1820's. The Albermarle and Chesapeake Canal was completed in 1859. Today... It's the Intracoastal Waterway!
A few years later, our waterway was crucial for getting supplies to the Confederates during the civil war. The Union worked hard to blockade it. The famous Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack took place right here in Hampton Roads in 1862.
Today, the Great Bridge Lock can hold up to 20 boats at a time while four sets of gates and valves are used to protect water quality. On one side of the lock, freshwater flows from the Currituck Sound in North Carolina. On the other side, salty water flows from the Elizabeth River fed by the Chesapeake Bay. Most plants and animals are suited for either fresh or saltwater. Not both because the mix caused harm to the ecosystem. In 1932 a special guard lock was created to protect the environment and allow boat transportation. It's still in use today.
Our current Bridge was constructed in 2004 and has daily traffic or approximately 35,000 vehicles!
The Locks park offers a playground, picnic tables, barbecue grills and a boat ramp. Many people like to fish and crab there as well.
We have great walking trails and a wonderful Museum/Visitor Center packed with history to revisit. It's also the site of events year-round.
Our Back Roads Automotive team loves the Great Bridge/Hickory community and we are expanding! So, whether it's Moyock, Currituck, Elizabeth City, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth and many other Tidewater neighborhoods, we want to help. Finding a great quality, low price vehicle can be difficult but call us. We are THE place to shop!
