Bennett Creek (Nansemond River tributary)

Bennett's Creek Park[3] offers two free boat ramps that access the Nansemond River, a playground, tennis courts, restrooms, three covered shelters that can be reserved for use, a nature trail, open fields, a fishing and crabbing pier with handicap accessible features, and plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

A 2.6-mile-long (4.2 km) canoe trail begins at the park boat ramp, passing through a tranquil salt marsh.

In May 1779 a skirmish between Virginia militia and English troops under Gen. Edward Matthews occurred at Hargrove's Tavern near Bennett Creek.

[5] During the American Civil War, the Bennett Creek area was fortified with gun batteries.

But the area was captured by Union troops by May 1862 soon after the ironclad CSS Virginia failed to hold off the U.S. Navy at the Battle of Hampton Roads (aka Monitor-Merrimack) within sight of the mouth of Bennett Creek.