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

The Confederate Section

Photographed By James Thomson, October 13, 2010

1. The Confederate Section Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1885, after the War Between the States, the local veterans of Portsmouth and Norfolk County formed the Stonewall Camp, United Confederate Veterans. This Camp remained active until 1929 when the last three members bequeathed their assets to the Sons and Daughters of Confederate Veterans. This section was among their possessions, having been obtained by the Camp, for the purpose of providing needy veterans an honorable last resting place.

In 1903 the Portsmouth Ladies Memorial Aid Association erected the Confederate Monument in honor of those who served. In addition, they placed granite headstones identifying each Confederate grave throughout this and Oak Grove Cemetery, just 3/4 miles west. Note that each headstone has been re-inscribed on the rear and the stone reversed. Stonewall Camp #380, Sons of Confederate Veterans, accomplished this in 1997 because most had become illegible over the many years.

The memorial to the CSS Virginia was erected by Stonewall Camp #380, Sons of Confederate Veterans on Memorial Day 1996. It is the only monument honoring all those associated with the construction and manning of the Ironclad.

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The granite is in the original shape and size as it formed a part of the first Dry Dock built in America built in 1832. It was in Dry Dock #1 of the Gosport Navy Yard that the CSS Virginia was constructed from the burned hull of the USS Merricac.

Erected by Stonewall Camp # 380, SCV (Sons of Confederate Veterans).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Confederate Veterans/United Confederate Veterans series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 36° 50.333′ N, 76° 18.467′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Park View. Marker can be reached from Fort Lane, on the right when traveling north. Located within Cedar Grove Cemetary. Entrance near the corner of Fort Lane and Ann Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portsmouth VA 23704, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Luke Porter (within shouting distance of this marker); Cedar Grove Cemetery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Cedar Grove Cemetery (about 300 feet away); Ruth Brown (about 700 feet away); Emanuel A.M.E. Church (about 800 feet away); Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones

The Confederate Section image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Thomson, October 13, 2010

2. The Confederate Section

(about 800 feet away); Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Birthplace of Dr. James W. Holley III (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

CSS Virginia (USS Merrimac) memorial stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Thomson, October 13, 2010

3. CSS Virginia (USS Merrimac) memorial stone

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. This page has been viewed 905 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.