Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Arnold's British Defenses, 1781

Photographed By Scott Rollins, June 23, 2009

1. Arnold's British Defenses, 1781 Marker

Inscription. This marks the northern limit of a line of British redoubts erected in March 1781 by order of Brigadier General Benedict Arnold who, under Major General William Phillips, commanded British troops occupying Portsmouth. This line of fortifications extended in an arc south along Dinwiddie and Washington Streets to Gosport Creek and defended Portsmouth from American attack from the west.

Erected 1962 by Virginia State Library. (Marker Number Q 8-p.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1781.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 36° 50.419′ N, 76° 17.956′ W. Marker was in Portsmouth, Virginia. It was in Olde Towne. Marker was on Crawford Parkway, 0.1 miles east of Court Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Crawford Bay (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Craney Island (about 600 feet away); Cornwallis at Portsmouth

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(about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Arnold's British Defenses, 1781 (about 700 feet away); Olde Towne Portsmouth (about 700 feet away); Spanish-American War 1898-1902 (about 700 feet away); Fort Nelson (about 700 feet away); Elks Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 855 times since then and 5 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.