Fort Eustis in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Landship (Building 415)
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 4, 2024
1. The Landship (Building 415) Marker
The Landship was constructed during the first era of permanent construction (1952 to 1958) associated with the Transportation Corps at Fort Eustis. It was designed as a mock training ship and is constructed of metal materials and equipped with a variety of crane mechanisms.
The Landship, located at 3rd Port, is one of two historic buildings on Fort Eustis. It was built in 1954 at an approximate cost of $2.9 million dollars and is still being used as a shipload mock-up training module for the soldiers at Fort Eustis. One of the few mock training ships constructed by the Department of Defense after World War II, it has played a pivotal role in training at Fort Eustis from its construction to today.
Erected by Fort Eustis Cultural Resources Management.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Military • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.
Location. 37° 9.305′ N, 76° 36.48′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Fort Eustis. It is on Harrison Road north of Back River Road, on the right when traveling south. This marker is on post. Access to the fort is limited to authorized personnel and sponsored or escorted visitors. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Eustis VA 23604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula, in Hampton Roads, 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: Colossian Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Native Americans on this Land (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Civil War on Fort Eustis (approx. 0.4 miles away); Matthew Jones House (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Matthew Jones House (approx. half a mile away); John Rolfe (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Lee Hall Balloon School (approx. 0.7 miles away); "Magnolia House" - Chief of Transportation's Quarters (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.
Regarding The Landship (Building 415). The Landship, designated TA2 in some sources, is a mile north at Third Port. As of 2023 Fort Eustis has a second "Landship" constructed for training purposes, but it does not resemble a ship. The Landship referenced in the marker features distinct WWII and Korea-era lifting structures that were common on cargo ships of those eras, which combined with its waterfront position make it appear ship-like at a distance.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 14, 2024
2. The Landship (Building 415)
Photo taken a mile north in Third Port where the structure is actually located. It is not co-located with the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 5, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on March 5, 2025. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
