Craney Farms / Green Acres in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Craney Island
Photographed By James Thomson, November 19, 2010
1. Craney Island Marker K 266 close-up
Inscription.
Craney Island. . Seven miles northeast in the Elizabeth River is Craney Island, a landmark of two wars. During the War of 18 12, the British attacked its fortifications on 22 June 1813, but were repulsed by its defenders including the Portsmouth artillery. During the Civil War, while abandoning Norfolk in April 1861, the Union forces scuttled the USS Merrimack. The Confederates refloated it and transformed it into their first ironclad, the CSS Virginia. Famous for its duel to a draw with the USS Monitor, the Virginia was scuttled at Craney Island on 11 May 1862, when the Confederates evacuated Norfolk.
Seven miles northeast in the Elizabeth River is Craney Island, a landmark of two wars. During the War of 1812, the British attacked its fortifications on 22 June 1813, but were repulsed by its defenders including the Portsmouth artillery. During the Civil War, while abandoning Norfolk in April 1861, the Union forces scuttled the USS Merrimack. The Confederates refloated it and transformed it into their first ironclad, the CSS Virginia. Famous for its duel to a draw with the USS Monitor, the Virginia was scuttled at Craney Island on 11 May 1862, when the Confederates evacuated Norfolk.
Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-266.)
Location. 36° 50.652′ N, 76° 21.986′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Craney Farms / Green Acres. Marker is at the intersection of High Street West (U.S. 17) and Duke Drive, on the right when traveling east on High Street West. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3145 Duke Drive, Portsmouth VA 23703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. This page has been viewed 1,280 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on November 21, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 19, 2010, by James Thomson of Chesapeake, United States. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
