On New Year's Day 1776, Norfolk - then Virginia's largest and wealthiest town - was engulfed in flames. What began as British naval fire turned into full-scale destruction as patriot forces set additional blazes to prevent the city from serving as a Loyalist stronghold. By the end, nearly all of Norfolk lay in ruins and ashes. 

This talk examines the dramatic decisions on both sides that led to the city's destruction and the lasting consequences for the people of Norfolk and the Revolutionary cause in Virginia.