A portion of the engine from the George Farwell

A portion of the engine from the <i>George Farwell</i> Marker image. Click for full size.

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

1. A portion of the engine from the George Farwell Marker

Inscription. On the night of October 20, 1906, the steamship George Farwell coasted along the Cape Henry shoreline to conserve fuel. During the night a storm developed and the Farwell ran aground 600 yards offshore south of Cape Henry Life-Saving Station. In a rare night breeches buoy rescue, surfmen from the Cape Henry and Virginia Beach Life-Saving Stations brought the sixteen crewmen to shore. After the cargo and more easily removable items were salvaged. the George Farwell was abandoned and left to the elements. The engine was visible above the breakers and became a landmark to all who walked the beach. This portion of the boiler was donated by the U.S. Army, Fort Story, Virginia.

Erected by Virginia Beach Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 20, 1906.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 51.139′ N, 75° 58.554′ W. Marker was in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was in North Virginia Beach. It was on Virginia Beach Boardwalk, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker

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was at or near this postal address: 2401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: George Farwell Boiler (here, next to this marker); Old British Admiralty Anchor / USCG Cutter Propeller (here, next to this marker); Buoy Lantern (a few steps from this marker); 24th Street Park (a few steps from this marker); Neighborhood Alert! (within shouting distance of this marker); Who's in the neighborhood? (within shouting distance of this marker);

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

2. A portion of the engine from the George Farwell Marker

U-boats Off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Coast Guard Virginia Lifeboat Stations (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Stern piece of a ship (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Additional keywords. A portion of the engine from the George Farwell

A portion of the engine from the <i>George Farwell</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0)

3. A portion of the engine from the George Farwell

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 424 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.