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

Lincolnsville

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 18, 2025

1. Lincolnsville Marker

Inscription. African Americans acquired property in this area shortly after the Civil War and established the community of Lincolnsville, likely named for Pres. Abraham Lincoln. The City of Portsmouth annexed it from Norfolk County in 1894. Churches, schools, fraternal organizations, social clubs, and Black-owned businesses served the vibrant, close-knit community. Notable residents included educator I.C. Norcom, journalists Jeffrey T. Wilson and Lee F. Rodgers, and musician Graham W. Jackson Sr. Lincolnsville's infrastructure had deteriorated by the mid-20th century. Despite opposition from residents, the city razed much of Lincolnsville under an urban renewal plan early in the 1960s.

Erected 2023 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-8-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.

Location. 36° 50.468′ N, 76° 18.341′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Crawford Parkway and Effingham Street, on the right when traveling west on Crawford Parkway.

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The marker stands inside the entrance to Fort Nelson Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 700 Crawford Parkway, 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: Portsmouth Naval Hospital (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Portsmouth Naval Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

More about this marker. Though the casting date on the marker is 2022, the marker was not installed at Fort Nelson park until after May 2023.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It gives further detail and photographs of Lincolnsville.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on February 10, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.