Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Revolutionary War at Portsmouth
Photographed By Scott Rollins, June 1, 2009
1. Revolutionary War at Portsmouth Marker
Inscription.
Revolutionary War at Portsmouth. . In October 1775, Virginia’s last royal governor, the Earl of Dunmore, made his headquarters at Gosport, one mile south of here. After his defeat at Great Bridge and the destruction of Norfolk, he entrenched at Hospital Point, one mile north, but was again driven out in May 1776. Portsmouth was again invaded by the British: Sir George Collier in 1779, General Leslie in 1780, the traitor Benedict Arnold and General Phillips in 1781. Here, on this Portsmouth waterfront in August 1781. Lord Cornwallis embarked his 7000 troops and sailed to Yorktown where he surrendered to the victorious American and French forces, 19 October 1781.
In October 1775, Virginia’s last royal governor, the Earl of Dunmore, made his headquarters at Gosport, one mile south of here. After his defeat at Great Bridge and the destruction of Norfolk, he entrenched at Hospital Point, one mile north, but was again driven out in May 1776. Portsmouth was again invaded by the British: Sir George Collier in 1779, General Leslie in 1780, the traitor Benedict Arnold and General Phillips in 1781. Here, on this Portsmouth waterfront in August 1781. Lord Cornwallis embarked his 7000 troops and sailed to Yorktown where he surrendered to the victorious American and French forces, 19 October 1781.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1775.
Location. 36° 50.151′ N, 76° 17.812′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. Marker is at the intersection of Water Street and High Street, on the right when traveling north on Water Street. Beside the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 High Street, Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Naval Shipyard Museum (a few steps from this marker); Cornwallis' Embarkation (a few steps from this marker); John Luke Porter (within shouting distance of this
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, February 11, 2014
2. Revolutionary War at Portsmouth Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,349 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on July 2, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 14, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
