Fort Norfolk , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Elizabeth River Restoration

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 8, 2022

1. Elizabeth River Restoration Marker

Inscription. The first Europeans to live in the Elizabeth River watershed arrived in the 1600's and they viewed the river in much the same way as their counterparts in other colonial settlements. Rivers served as a primary means of transportation and as convenient locations for waste disposal. Filling and dredging the river provided land for development and promoted waterborne commerce. Wetlands were thought to harbor disease and were often filled or drained in the name of protecting the public's health. By 1925 the need for a new understanding and appreciation of the river's ecology was becoming clear. The Elizabeth River was officially closed to the harvesting of oysters and clams due to contaminated conditions. Fortunately, dramatic reversal in the condition and fate of the river began in 1940 with the creation of the Hampton Roads Sanitation District Commission. By the 1990's the treatment of sewage and industrial waste and the protection of wetlands and other sensitive river habitats had led to significant improvements in water quality. While challenges lie ahead in the treatment of storm water run-off and contaminated river sediments,

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recent restoration efforts prompted the Virginian-Pilot to announce that the river's "troubles are ebbing." A committed partnership among private and public interests has emerged to restore the Elizabeth River. More at ElizabethRiver.org.

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Among life returning to the Elizabeth River in recent years: the seahorse. This one was captured and released by the Elizabeth River Project’s Learning Barge while docked not far from here, on the downtown waterfront.

Citizens, businesses and schools now do their part to reduce pollution of the Elizabeth River through voluntary programs of the non-profit Elizabeth River Project. “River Star Homes” earn a free yard flag when they agree to 7 simple steps, from picking up after their dogs to reducing fertilizer use. “River Star Schools” do classroom projects, and "River Star Businesses” earn public recognition for documented results.

Efforts to bring back the once famous Norfolk oyster include the creation of a 13-acre oyster reef near here, at the mouth of Scotts Creek, by Elizabeth River Project and partners. Oysters are now seen growing on most pilings in the Elizabeth River. All images courtesy of Elizabeth River Project

Erected by City

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 8, 2022

2. Elizabeth River Restoration Marker

of Norfolk and Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 36° 51.604′ N, 76° 18.419′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Fort Norfolk. It can be reached from the intersection of Riverview Avenue and Southampton Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker located on the Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5 mile biking and pedestrian trail along the Elizabeth River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Riverview Avenue, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

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

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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: Historical Points of Interest (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Atlantic City (about 500 feet away); Managing Sediments in the Chesapeake Bay (about 500 feet away); War of 1812 Elizabeth River Defenses/War of 1812 (about 500 feet away); The Creation of Plum Point Park (about 500 feet away); Fort Norfolk (about 600 feet away); Craney Island (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to Historic Fort Norfolk (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

Also see . . . You Can Help Restore The Elizabeth River. (Submitted on June 24, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 268 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.