Hampton approves relocation of historic Braddock Cannon — but it isn’t going far

HAMPTON — The Braddock Cannon, more than 100 years old, soon will be relocated — about 50 feet from where it stands.

Hampton City Council voted 5-1 Wednesday to move the cannon from the middle of Victoria Boulevard at the intersection with Bridge Street to a plot of land on the northeast corner of the intersection.

The move will put the cannon on property owned by the Hampton Yacht Club. The club plans to dedicate this portion of its land to the city so the public can still access the historical monument.

The city first offered the cannon to any “museum, historical society, government, or military battlefield,” as required by state code. However, during Wednesday night’s meeting, City Manager Mary Bunting revealed no one had submitted letters of intent to acquire the cannon.

The Hampton Yacht Club, which owns properties near the monument, came up with the idea to relocate the cannon to improve its entrance, create additional parking and preserve waterfront views.

Leigh Chapman, a yacht club member, said the club has talked to several contractors about moving the cannon. The plan is to relocate the monument in the late summer or early fall. The club will be responsible for the cost.

Councilwoman Martha Mugler was the sole dissenting vote in relocating the cannon. Mayor Donnie Tuck was not present at the meeting; he was attending a meeting discussing gun violence prevention strategies.

Mugler objected to the new location of the cannon because a utility pole would obstruct the view from certain angles.

“I have a real problem with that obstruction of view, personally,” Mugler said.

Hampton resident Brenda Marks shared similar concerns. Marks also said that for people to get a good photo of the cannon in its new spot, they would still have to stand in the middle of the street. Marks suggested relocating it south of its current location, instead of north as the Yacht Club proposed.

The cannon was erected on city property by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America on May 9, 1916, to commemorate a development in the French and Indian War — the 1755 landing of Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock in Hampton. Braddock was the commander-in-chief of all the British forces in America at the time.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the council voted 5-1 to approve a rezoning and use permit application so the Yacht Club could operate a marina at 4709 and 4710 Victoria Blvd. Once again, Mugler was the sole dissenting vote, as approval of the marina hinged on relocating the cannon.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com