Hope Village in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
The Beginning
| | Path of History Portsmouth, VA | |
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 1, 2014
1. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Marker
Known for most of its first century as Gosport Navy Yard," after the Royal Navy dockyard at Portsmouth, England, its name was changed by common usage in 1862 to Norfolk, taking the name of the county in which it was located.
During its 235-plus years, Norfolk Naval Shipyard has assisted the nation in winning nine major wars, outfitting Great White Fleet ships to sail around the world, scientifically exploring the Pacific and opening Japan to American trade.
(caption)
Local tax rolls show that Andrew Sprowle was in Virginia by 1733. The hardworking Scot quickly became a leading merchant. He was elected president of the Court of Virginia Merchants in 1739. This would have been a typical scene on his wharves. He conducted trade and also built, sold and repaired ships.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1767.
Location. 36° 49.637′ N, 76° 17.804′ W. Marker
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: A different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 1, 2014
2. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Markers
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 1, 2014
3. Gosport Park south entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 927 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
