Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Elizabeth River

Photographed by Scott Rollins, June 23, 2009

1. Elizabeth River Marker

Inscription. The Elizabeth River, explored by Captain John Smith in 1608, was named for Princess Elizabeth. Shipbuilding activity began in 1620 when John Wood, a shipbuilder, requested a land grant. Many historic ships were built at the naval shipyard here, including the USS Delaware, first ship dry-docked in America, and CSS Virginia (ex-Merrimac) first ironclad to engage in battle.

Erected 1959 by Virginia State Library. (Marker Number Q-8-K.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 36° 50.419′ N, 76° 17.955′ W. Marker was in Portsmouth, Virginia. It was in Olde Towne. It was on Crawford Parkway 0.1 miles east of Court Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: Craney Island (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Crawford Bay (about 600 feet away); Cornwallis at Portsmouth

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(about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Arnold's British Defenses, 1781 (about 700 feet away); Olde Towne Portsmouth (about 700 feet away); Francis Grice 1789 - 1865 (about 700 feet away); Spanish-American War 1898-1902 (about 700 feet away); Fort Nelson (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Other markers no longer nearby. Arnold's British Defenses, 1781 (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Portsmouth Naval Hospital (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,039 times since then and 11 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 24, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.