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

The Pass House & Gardens

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026

1. The Pass House & Gardens Marker

Inscription. Built in 1841 by James Murdaugh, the Pass House was occupied by Union Troops from 1862 to 1865. Federal forces required Portsmouth residents to obtain a written pass to travel across the Elizabeth River and beyond. These passes were issued from the English Basement and thus the name "Pass House" was derived.

Located in Red Lion Square of the Olde Towne Historic District, this restored Federal-style brick home is 3 1/2 stories with an attached two-story slave quarters and kitchen. The Pass House reflects a quality of bygone days boasting heart pine floors, six fireplaces, an ornate plaster ceiling medallion, and a center view staircase.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • War, US Civil.

Location. 36° 50.222′ N, 76° 17.905′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is at the intersection of London Street and Crawford Street, on the right when traveling west on London Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 422 Crawford Street, 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: William Flora (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ball House (about 300 feet away); Shopmates Memorial (about 300 feet away); Lafayette's Tour

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(about 400 feet away); Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients (about 400 feet away); Crawford House (about 400 feet away); The Coast Guard (about 500 feet away); Commemorating the Visit of Lafayette (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025

2. The Pass House & Gardens Marker

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026

3. The Pass House & Gardens Marker

The Pass House & Gardens image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025

4. The Pass House & Gardens

Viewed from the marker. The attached slave quarters & kitchen is visible at left, in front of the white vinyl-sided house next door.

The Pass House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025

5. The Pass House

The Pass House was also later the childhood home of Ellie Harrison Murdaugh, who married future General John A. Lejeune within it in 1895. This view is from across London Street.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on April 12, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 12, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.