Hope Village in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

“1774-1800”

— Path of History Portsmouth, VA —

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 1, 2014

1. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Marker

Inscription. Leased in 1794 by the federal government, as part of its response to acts of piracy by the Barbary States, the shipyard produced in 1798-99 the 36-gun frigate Chesapeake, a sister ship of the USS Constitution known as "Old Ironsides." The USS Chesapeake was one of the ﬁrst six ships to be built for the U.S. Navy after the Revolution.

Captain Richard Dale, a Portsmouth native who had served under John Paul Jones, was appointed to supervise the construction of the shipyard as its prospective commanding officer. His role as Naval Agent made him the ﬁrst Shipyard Commander.

On June 15, 1801 the 16-acre shipyard was purchased by the United States from Virginia for $12,000, on President Thomas Jefferson’s authorization. It then became the "Gosport Navy Yard."

(captions)
Gosport workmen shape the wooden keel of the frigate in the Gosport shipyard. The frigate , the first U.S. Navy warship known to have been completely built and outfitted in the Gosport Shipyard, is believed to have looked like this after it was launched in December 1799.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels

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. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1767.

Location. 36° 49.642′ N, 76° 17.812′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Hope Village. Marker can be reached from Lincoln Street east of 3rd Street, on the left when traveling east. Located in Gosport Park. 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. A different marker also named Norfolk Naval Shipyard (here, next to 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.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 1, 2014

2. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Markers

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 550 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.