William Flora

Born into freedom in Norfolk, VA. An apprentice wagon builder, Flora enlisted in 15th and later 11th and 5th Virginia regiments of the Continental Army, serving for years. Flora was the last defender bravely holding off British forces at the Battle of Great Bridge near Norfolk VA. After his fellow soldiers escaped to safety, Flora heroically stayed behind to pry up the last boards of the bridge in order to prevent the British from crossing.

After the war he became successful businessman in Portsmouth and was able to purchase the freedom of his wife and two children. Despite his age, Flora also served in 1807 in the Virginia militia, and the War of 1812, under Commodore Stephen Decatur. The city of Chesapeake, VA named a street after Flora in 2010. It runs close to where he saved the day at the Battle of Great Bridge.