North Virginia Beach , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Sister Cities

Moss, Norway and Virginia Beach, USA

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 12, 2017

1. Sister Cities Marker

Inscription. The relationship between Moss, Norway and Virginia Beach had its beginnings when the Norwegian ship, Dictator, went down in a storm off Virginia Beach March 27th, 1891. A shipping line in Moss, Norway owned the Dictator. In 1974 the bond forged in tragedy became official when the Virginia Beach City Council adopted a resolution inviting Moss to become its first sister city. The Council of Alderman of the City of Moss accepted the invitation.

Reciprocal visits by the mayors of both cities have served to keep the historic tie between the two cities fresh and vibrant. Unofficial visits by Norwegian royalty, private citizens, choral groups and others over the years have further strengthened the relationship.

A ceremony arranged by the Ladies of the Virginia Beach Fire Department Auxiliary, commemorating the wreck of the Dictator and the Moss affiliation takes place here at the Norwegian Lady statue in March each year.

Sister Cities International promotes respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 27, 1891.

Location. 36° 51.218′ N, 75° 58.549′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in North Virginia Beach. It can be reached from the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 25th Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located just east of the Naval Aviation Monument Park and just west of the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate

Norwegian Lady Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 12, 2017

2. Norwegian Lady Statue

States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Wreck of the Dictator and The Norwegian Lady Statue (a few steps from this marker); Naval Aviation Monument Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Naval Air Station Oceana (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Virginia Beach Beach Erosion Control & Hurricane Protection Project (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 24th Street Park (about 500 feet away); U-boats Off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (about 500 feet away); Who's in the neighborhood? (about 500 feet away); Neighborhood Alert! (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.

Wreck of the Dictator image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Saunier, Sr., November 21, 2017

3. Wreck of the Dictator

Bow section of the Dictator exposed by Ash Wednesday storm in 1962. Now covered over by sand, it lies 100 feet southeast of 61st Street in Virginia Beach, VA

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2018, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 837 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2018, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.