North Virginia Beach , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

George Farwell Boiler

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 11, 2025

1. George Farwell Boiler Marker

Inscription. On the night of October 20, 1906, the steamship George Farwell coasted along the Cape Henry shoreline to conserve fuel. During the night a storm developed and the Farwell ran aground 600 yeards offshore south of Cape Henry Life-Saving Station. In a rare night breeches buoy rescue, surfmen from the Cape Henry and Virginia Beach Life-Saving Station brought the sixteen crewmen to shore. After the cargo and more easily removable items were salvaged, the George Farwell was abandoned and left to the elements. The engine was visible above the breakers and became a landmark to all who walked the beach. This portion of the boiler was donated by the U.S. Army, Fort Story, Virginia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 20, 1906.

Location. 36° 51.138′ N, 75° 58.555′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in North Virginia Beach. It is at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 24th Street, on the left when traveling south on Atlantic Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2400 Atlantic Ave, Virginia

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Beach VA 23451, 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: Old British Admiralty Anchor / USCG Cutter Propeller (a few steps from this marker); Buoy Lantern (a few steps from this marker); 24th Street Park (a few steps from this marker); Neighborhood Alert! (within shouting distance of this marker); Who's in the neighborhood? (within shouting distance of this marker); U-boats Off the Mid-Atlantic Coast (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Coast Guard Virginia Lifeboat Stations

George Farwell Boiler Display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 11, 2025

2. George Farwell Boiler Display

(within shouting distance of this marker); The United States Life-Saving Service Stations & Crews (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.

Other markers no longer nearby. A portion of the engine from the George Farwell (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Stern piece of a ship (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.