Newport News Point
… Named in His Honor
Newport News was a small community located in Warwick County until late in the 19th century. Established as a town in 1880, it was incorporated as a city in 1896. Warwick County, one of the eight original Virginia shires formed by 1634, became extinct in 1952 when it was designated the city of Warwick. It merged with Newport News in 1958.
In 1606, the Virginia Company of London received a charter from King James I to settle Virginia. The company selected Captain Christopher Newport to command the expedition. For more than fifteen years, Newport had served as a privateer in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean preying on Spanish merchant ships. In 1592, Newport captured one vessel that contained 500 tons of spices and treasure. He even brought back from one of his expeditions two baby crocodiles and a wild boar for James I. Thus, the London Company members were impressed by the English Sea Dog’s reputation.
The expedition sailed from England on December 20, 1606. After long delays and unfavorable winds, the ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery arrived off Chesapeake Capes with 143 English settlers. They landed at Cape Henry on April 26, 1607. Several days later the settlers moved inland and explored the surrounding area for water and future habitation. Newport’s party landed
Erected 2007 by Newport News Founders’ Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1880.
Location. 36° 58.668′ N, 76° 26.068′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in South Newport News. Marker can be reached from West Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in Christopher Newport Park, at the waterfront. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newport News VA 23607, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Congress – Cumberland (here, next to this marker); Collis Potter Huntington (a few steps from this marker); A Nameless Grave (within shouting distance of this marker); Newport News (within shouting distance of this marker); A Great Confederate Naval Victory (within shouting distance of this marker); Sons of the Flag (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Victory Arch (about 600 feet away); Headquarters, Hampton Roads (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
More about
Also see . . . Captain Christopher Newport, Admiral of Virginia. (Submitted on November 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,084 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on February 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on November 29, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.