Comte de Grasse
Vice Admiral Comte de Grasse commanded the French fleet that defeated the British fleet at the mouth of the Virginia Capes on September 5, 1781.
The statue of VADM de Grasse, a gift from France, is a copy of the original situated in Paris. It was unveiled in its present location in October 1976.
The wording of the plaque at the foot of the statue reads:
“This statue, a gift from France, is placed here overlooking the waters where Admiral Comte de Grasse successfully engaged the British Fleet on September 5th, 1781. The Battle of the Capes prevented crucial reinforcements from reaching Cornwallis, thus hastening his surrender.
Dedicated in grateful remembrance of the decisive contribution of Admiral de Grasse to the winning of American Independence.
October 17th, 1976”
The statue erected and placed at Fort Story in Comte de Grasse’s honor was the result of true Franco-American cooperation.
The brainchild of a decorated WWI French Army Officer (Baron Jean de Lustrac) who married an American, De Lustrac was a member of the Norfolk Chapter SAR.