South Newport News in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Great Confederate Naval Victory
Despite the gallant defense of these vessels, that day’s action vividly demonstrated the superiority of metal over wood. The victory was a high point in the hopes of the Confederacy.
The sinking of these powerful wooden warships was witnessed with dismay by Federal forces at Camp Butler which then included the site of this park. The length of anchor chain from the U.S.S. Cumberland displayed here was recovered from the river bottom in 1909.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1862.
Location. 36° 58.681′ N, 76° 26.017′ W. Marker is in South Newport News in Newport News, Virginia. Marker is on West Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is at entrance to Christopher Newport Park. 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. Newport News (here, next to this marker); A Nameless Grave (within shouting distance of this marker); Collis Potter Huntington (within shouting distance of this marker); Newport News Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Congress – Cumberland (within shouting distance of this marker); Headquarters, Hampton Roads (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Victory Arch (about 500 feet away); Victory Avenue (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Newport News.
Also see . . . CSS Virginia destroys USS Cumberland and USS Congress, 8 March 1862. Naval Historical Center website. (Submitted on August 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,284 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.