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. Marker is on Stilwell Drive just west of Pullman Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
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); Water Battery (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); The Lincoln Gun (approx. 0.4 miles away); Escape To Freedom (approx. half a mile away); Contraband Quarters (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.
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.
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 431 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
