Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Legend Of The Oozlefinch
One night in 1905, Captain H.M. Merriam (while quite possibly under the influence of our favorite beverage) swore he saw a strange, large eyed bird outside the Fort Monroe Officers' Club. His outlandish tale quickly spread throughout the community and the bizarre creature later became the mascot of the Club. Merriam's fellow officers dubbed the bird the "Oozlefinch" and placed a figuring of its likeness on a shelf behind the bar. The Oozlefinch rose to mythic status on Fort Monroe and regular sightings reportedly occurred.
Today, our brewery bears the name of the Oozlefinch, drawing inspiration from its legendary status, the celebration of good times with friends, and the traditions of Fort Monroe.
Erected 2016 by The Oozlefinch Craft Brewery.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Believe It or Not series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 37° 0.546′ N, 76° 18.279′ W. Marker is in Hampton, Virginia. It is in Fort Monroe.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Virginias Peninsula and in Coastal Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harbor Defense Regimental Distinctive Insignia (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Monroe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Omaha Beach Memorial Tree (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Monroe History (approx. 0.4 miles away); Stockade and Guardhouse (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Lincoln Gun (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 6, 2021
2. The Legend Of The Oozlefinch Marker
The logo for the brewery is to the right, which includes an image of the oozlefinch.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Water Battery (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,329 times since then and 173 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
