Battle of Kedges Strait facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kedges Strait
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Historic marker in Onancock, Virginia with outline of battle
Date November 30, 1782 Location Kedges Strait, Chesapeake Bay, between Smith and South Marsh Islands off Tangier Sound 37°59′42″N 75°57′18″W / 37.995°N 75.955°W / 37.995; -75.955 Result British victory
Belligerents
United States	Great Britain
Commanders and leaders
Commodore Zedechiah Whaley Lt. Colonel John Cropper	Unknown
Strength
65	unknown
Casualties and losses
McDougall: 25 killed or wounded 29 captured 11 escaped	Unknown

The Battle of Kedges Strait, sometimes called the Battle of the Barges, happened on November 30, 1782. It took place near Tangier Sound in Chesapeake Bay, close to Onancock, Virginia. This battle was fought between the naval militia of Maryland and the Royal Navy of Great Britain. It was one of the last naval fights of the American Revolutionary War.

What Happened at Kedges Strait?

Even though the main land war ended in October 1781 with the surrender at Yorktown, fighting at sea continued. British barges (small, flat-bottomed boats) were causing trouble along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. They were harassing farms and towns.

Commodore Whaley's Fight

For two days in November 1782, Commodore Zedechiah Whaley led the Maryland militia against these British barges. The fighting was not going well for Whaley. He really wanted a victory.

On November 28, 1782, Whaley sailed his ship, Protector, to Onancock. He asked for help from Lt. Colonel John Cropper. Cropper quickly gathered 25 local men to join the fight. These men boarded Whaley's flagship, the Protector.

The Final Showdown

Whaley's fleet originally had four barges. However, three of them turned back because of heavy British fire. This left the Protector alone to face six British boats. The Protector was greatly outnumbered.

The most intense part of the battle happened on November 30. It took place in Kedges Strait, among Smith and South Marsh islands in Maryland, and Tangier Island in Virginia. The crew of the Protector suffered many losses. Out of 65 men, 25 were killed or wounded. Another 29 men were captured. Only 11 managed to escape.

Commodore Whaley's surrender marked the end of this battle. It was the very last naval action of the American Revolutionary War.

Remembering the Battle

The Battle of Kedges Strait is remembered today. A historical marker from Virginia highways stands near Onancock village. This marker helps people learn about the battle.

People still study this battle. There are even guided tours of the area. For example, in 2016, a group called the Captain John Smoot Chapter of the Maryland Society Sons of the American Revolution gave a boat tour of the battle site. In 2017, the Maryland Maritime Archeology Program gave a lecture about it.

See also

• Battle of Valcour Island - another important battle involving barges during the American Revolutionary War.