Billy Flora: An American Hero

Hampton Roads played a vital role in America’s founding. This series highlights the people and institutions from our region that helped shape who we were in 1776, and who we’d become 250 years later. Featuring patriots of diverse backgrounds, who have often been omitted from our history books, their bold contributions were immeasurable in igniting a revolution that reshaped the world.

Season 1 Episode 5 | 5m 39s | CC

In December 1775, William “Billy” Flora, a free Black man from Portsmouth and member of the 2nd Virginia Regiment, performed a heroic act during the Battle of Great Bridge. Holding off British forces long enough for Patriot reinforcements to arrive, Flora helped secure a key victory that drove Governor Dunmore from Virginia and shaped the Revolution’s course.

Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore