Fort Norfolk , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
War of 1812 Elizabeth River Defenses/War of 1812
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 8, 2022
1. War of 1812 Elizabeth River Defenses Marker (Side 1)
(Side 1)
President George Washington authorized the construction of 19 coastal defense fortifications in 1794. Nearby Fort Norfolk, which mounted 37 guns, and Fort Nelson, armed with 10 cannon, were constructed by 1810 to guard the Elizabeth River approaches to Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Gosport Navy Yard. Additional defensive works, Forts Barbour and Tar, were later added and a blockhouse was built on Craney Island. Because Craney Island was successfully defended against the British on 22 June 1813, Forts Norfolk and Nelson never fired their guns during the war. Of these fortifications, only Fort Norfolk survives.
(Side 2)
Impressment of Americans into British service and the violation of American ships were among the causes of America's War of 1812 with the British, which lasted until 1815. Beginning in 1813, Virginians suffered from a British naval blockade of the Chesapeake Bay and from British troops plundering the countryside by the Bay and along the James, Rappahannock, and Potomac Rivers. The Virginia militia deflected a British attempt to take Norfolk in 1813 and engaged British forces throughout the war. By the end of the war, more than 2,000 enslaved African Americans in Virginta had
this page online
Erected 2010 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number KV-23.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1813.
Location. 36° 51.623′ N, 76° 18.517′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Fort Norfolk. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Riverview Avenue and Southampton Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker located within the Plum Point Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Riverview Avenue, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historical Points of Interest (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth River Restoration (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Atlantic City (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Norfolk (approx. 0.2 miles away); Craney Island (approx. ¼ mile away); Development and Architecture of Fort Norfolk (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Norfolk Veterans of the War of 1812 Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fort Norfolk, 1810 (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
Also see . . . Battle of Craney Island. (Submitted on June 13, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 8, 2022
2. War of 1812 Marker (Side 2)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 8, 2022
3. War of 1812 Elizabeth River Defenses/War of 1812 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 13, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
