Stern piece of a ship

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 30, 2021

1. Stern piece of a ship Marker

Inscription. This piece is a portion of the stern of a vessel shipwrecked off Cape Henry. It was uncovered in May 1983 following a severe storm. The ship, constructed of oak and fastened with copper, bronze, and oak treenails, is estimated to have been about 125-150 feet in length and 400-500 tons displacement. It appears to be of European construction and could well bee the bark (barque) Francisco Bella Gamba which sailed from Genoa, Italy, to Baltimore, Maryland, and wrecked off Cape Henry in 1876.

Erected by Virginia Beach Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1983.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 36° 51.139′ N, 75° 58.547′ W. Marker was in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was in North Virginia Beach. It was on Virginia Beach Boardwalk just south of 24th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 2401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not

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be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

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

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Buoy Lantern (here, next to this marker); Old British Admiralty Anchor / USCG Cutter Propeller (here, next to this marker); 24th Street Park (a few steps from this marker); George Farwell Boiler (a few steps from this marker); Neighborhood Alert! (a few steps from this marker); Who's in the neighborhood? (a few steps from this marker); U-boats Off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (a few steps from this marker); The United States Life-Saving Service Stations & Crews

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 30, 2021

2. Stern piece of a ship Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.

Another marker is no longer nearby. A portion of the engine from the George Farwell (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 246 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A close up of the stern • Can you help?