Park View in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Captain William H. Murdaugh
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
1. Captain William H. Murdaugh Marker
Captain Murdaugh was born in Portsmouth on 7 August 1827. He was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy by President Tyler in 1841 and served in the Mexican War on the USS Potomac. In 1840 he served as passed midshipman and master in the famous Grinnell Arctic expedition in search of British explorer Sir John Franklin. For his distinguished service he received the Victoria Cross. He is among few Americans ever to receive the highest British award.
He continued in the US Navy until the outbreak of the War Between the States and then accepted a commission as lieutenant in the Confederate States Navy. His first duty was making surveys in the James River, establishing batteries and obstructions. He then was assigned with Commodore Barron in defense of North Carolina where he was severely wounded in the Battle of Fort Hatteras, 27-29 August 1861.
He was promoted to Captain but being disabled from active duty he was assigned to ordinance duty in the Navy Yard here. Upon determination to evacuate the Navy Yard he was sent to select a place for an ordinance depot and he selected Charlotte, NC. From Charlotte
this page online
At the close of the war he went to South America to engage in business but returned to Portsmouth after a few years. He was superintendent of the Norfolk County Ferries for many years and was appointed by President Cleveland as Supervising Inspector of steam vessels for this district.
Erected 2008 by Stonewall Camp # 380, SCV (Sons of Confederate Veterans).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, Mexican-American • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Confederate Veterans/United Confederate Veterans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 36° 50.356′ N, 76° 18.464′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Park View. It can be reached from the intersection of Fort Lane and Enterprise Way, on the right when traveling north. The Marker is located in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
2. Captain William H. Murdaugh Marker
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: Fannie Murdaugh Downing (here, next to this marker); Brigadier General Archibald Campbell Godwin (here, next to this marker); Portsmouth Confederate Memorial (here, next to this marker); This Bell (here, next to this marker); The Confederate Section (here, next to this marker); CSS Virginia Memorial (here, next to this marker); John K. Cooke (within shouting distance of this marker); Mordecai Cooke (within
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, April 10, 2026
3. Captain William H. Murdaugh's tomb
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
