West Freemason in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Benjamin F. Stewart
Private, U.S. Army
— Norfolk Trail of Honor —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
1. Benjamin F. Stewart Marker
Inscription.
Benjamin F. Stewart. Private, U.S. Army. Pvt Stewart was born in Norfolk. After joining the Army, he was sent to the frontier with Company “E”, 7th U.S. Infantry. Within a year, he would take part in actions against the Sioux in the Montana Territory during the Black Hills War. In the aftermath of the Battle of Little Bighorn, he and two other soldiers volunteered to carry dispatches between Generals George Crook and Alfred Terry. The first message informed General Terry of the Custer disaster. There had been two previous attempts to get messages through, both unsuccessful. Pvt Stewart and the other two had to pass through 100 miles of territory occupied by an estimated 2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Between July 9th through the 14th, 1876, they traveled back and forth from General Crook’s and General Terry’s camps. Hiding during the day and traveling at night, they were able to safely avoid war parties. All three men received the Medal of Honor.
Pvt Stewart was born in Norfolk. After joining the Army, he was sent to the frontier with Company “E”, 7th U.S. Infantry. Within a year, he would take part in actions against the Sioux in the Montana Territory during the Black Hills War. In the aftermath of the Battle of Little Bighorn, he and two other soldiers volunteered to carry dispatches between Generals George Crook and Alfred Terry. The first message informed General Terry of the Custer disaster. There had been two previous attempts to get messages through, both unsuccessful. Pvt Stewart and the other two had to pass through 100 miles of territory occupied by an estimated 2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Between July 9th through the 14th, 1876, they traveled back and forth from General Crook’s and General Terry’s camps. Hiding during the day and traveling at night, they were able to safely avoid war parties. All three men received the Medal of Honor.
Erected 2015 by City of Norfolk.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 9, 1876.
Location. 36° 50.931′ N, 76° 17.671′
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W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in West Freemason. Marker can be reached from Boush Street, 0.2 miles east of Boushe Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker located just north of Wisconsin Square and south of the Pagoda and Oriental Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Brooke Ave, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . 1. Benjamin F. Stewart. (Submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.) 2. Norfolk Trail of Honor. (Submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2022
2. Benjamin F. Stewart Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
