Warwick in Newport News, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Capture of the 'Patriot'

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 31, 2010

1. Capture Of The 'Patriot' Marker

Inscription. The 'Patriot', 60-ton Virginia Navy armed schooner commanded by Lieut. James Watkins, was charged with the defense of Warwick Co. inhabitants then harassed by British plundering expeditions. In April 1781, in the James River offshore, the 'Patriot" was taken by a heavily-manned and armed Royal Navy sloop in disguise. She then joined Cornwallis' fleet in the York and passed to the French by terms of capitulation.

Erected 1976 by Free State of Warwick Chapter, DAR.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Virginia, Corporation of Newport News series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1781.

Location. 37° 2.513′ N, 76° 29.296′ W. Marker is in Newport News, Virginia. It is in Warwick. It is at the intersection of Museum Drive and Museum parkway, on the left when traveling west on Museum Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newport News VA 23606, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Hampton Roads,

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: Skirmish at Cedar Lane (about 700 feet away); The Longleaf Pine (about 800 feet away); Lt. Col. Charles D. Dreux (approx. 0.8 miles away); Admiralty Pattern Anchor

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(approx. 0.8 miles away); USS Monitor: America's First Ironclad (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sloop La Nube (approx. 0.9 miles away); US Navy Admiralty Pattern Anchor (approx. 0.9 miles away); Spanish Bronze Gun (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport News.

Other markers no longer nearby. Skirmish at Waters Creek (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Walking Beam and A-Frame (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Walking Beam (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Museum Dr & Museum Pkwy image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 31, 2010

2. Museum Dr & Museum Pkwy

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

3. Capture of the 'Patriot' Marker

Displaced by construction in 2024-25, the marker remains on site - for now.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,651 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 15, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.