Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Elizabeth River
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025
1. The Elizabeth River Marker
The Elizabeth River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay, runs between the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk. The river was named “Elizabeth” in honor of Princess Elizabeth Stuart, the eldest daughter of King James I of England.
The river was first called “Chesapeake,” after the tribe of Native Americans who lived on its banks. They were an Algonquin-speaking people who depended on the land and water for existence. When John Smith explored the eastern area in 1608, he saw their “golden plots” and other indications of Native American habitation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.
Location. 36° 50.07′ N, 76° 17.77′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. It can be reached from the intersection of High Street and Water Street, on the right when traveling east. Along the seawall at the High Street ferry landing. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, 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, and in the Tidewater. 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 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: First Order Fresnel Lens from the Hog Island Light (within shouting distance of this marker); In Commemoration of the Last Public Appearance of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Gosport Navy Yard (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. Marker has been relocated about 200' south of its original position and now faces the parking lot at 1 Water Street from the river walk.
Additional keywords. 6
Photographed by Don Morfe, June 24, 2012
2. The Elizabeth River Marker
This is a photo of the marker in its prior location.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
3. The Elizabeth River Marker
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025
4. The Elizabeth River
View of the Southern Branch Elizabeth River from the walkway just behind the marker. BAE Systems Norfolk Repair Yard (formerly Norfolk Navy Yard's St. Helena Annex) is at left, while Norfolk Naval Shipyard is at right beneath the massive hammerhead crane, mostly obscured by the Fairlead Boat Works building.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,066 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 18, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on April 11, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
