The Battle of Craney Island Mural

715 High Street •

After 9/11, local artist Sam Welty decided to create a series of huge “Great America”outdoor wall murals to celebrate the diversity of the United States and honor the military personnel who sacrifice so much for our freedom. The Battle of Craney Island Mural was commissioned by the Portsmouth Heritage Initiative and is Sam Welty’s Great America IV. The mural includes Captain Arthur Emmerson who led the attack at Hoffler Creek to defend our country during the War of 1812. He is described as a hero of the militia artillery company for staving off British land and naval forces and preventing them from taking control of the Portsmouth shipyard. His company sunk the British forces’ lead boat. The Americans had scored a defensive victory in the face of a much larger force. Norfolk and the Gosport Navy Yard were spared from attack. Under Capt. Emmerson’s command, there were no American casualties. This battle was one of the few land battles won by the Americans in the War of 1812.