Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Commemorating 200th Anniversary Norfolk Naval Shipyard
1767-1967
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, June 2, 2024
1. Commemorating 200th Anniversary Norfolk Naval Shipyard Marker
The vertical stone is from the modernization in 1965 of America's oldest dry dock, in continuous service since 1833.
The slabs of iron were a part of the armor of the C.S.S. Virginia, which changed naval history; converted from the U.S.S. Merrimac in Dry Dock No. 1 in 1862.
Unveiled by Adm. E.T. Holmes U.S.N. CINCLANT 4 November, 1967
Rear Adm. J.A. Brown U.S.N. Commander, NNSY
Erected 1967.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is November 1, 1767.
Location. 36° 49.6′ N, 76° 17.722′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It is at the intersection of Barron Street and Warington Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Barron Street. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is an active military installation and access is restricted to authorized personnel and their escorted guests. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth
this page online
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: Drydock Number One (here, next to this marker); The U.S. Shipyard (a few steps from this marker); The Labor Force (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Trophy Park (circa 1870) (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk Naval Shipyard (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, June 2, 2024
2. Commemorating 200th Anniversary Norfolk Naval Shipyard Marker
The small metal plaque on the concrete block reads "Armor from C.S.S. Virginia converted to an ironclad from U.S. Frigate Merrimac at Gosport Navy Yard 1861-1862" and is referring to the three strips of iron plating lying on the low concrete shelf in front of the marker base.
Additional commentary.
1. Merrimac vs. Merrimack
The ship's proper name prior to conversion to CSS Virginia was Merrimack, with a "K" at the end. It is often mis-spelled "Merrimac."
— Submitted February 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 30 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
