Olde Towne in Portsmouth, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Cornwallis at Portsmouth

Photographed By Scott Rollins, June 23, 2009

1. Cornwallis at Portsmouth Marker

Inscription. Lord Cornwallis, commanding the British troops in the south, reached Portsmouth, July, 1781. He prepared to send a portion of his force to New York. Before the movement was made, orders came for him to take up a position at Old Point. Cornwallis selected Yorktown, however, and Portsmouth was abandoned.

Erected 1948 by Virginia Conservation Commission. (Marker Number Q-8F.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.

Location. 36° 50.416′ N, 76° 18.091′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is in Olde Towne. Marker is on Crawford Parkway west of Court Street, on the left when traveling west. 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. Arnold's British Defenses, 1781 (here, next to this marker); Olde Towne Portsmouth (a few steps from this marker); Fort Nelson (within shouting distance of this marker); Craney Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Crawford Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); Watts House

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(about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Yellow Fever of 1855 (about 700 feet away); Elks Lodge (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portsmouth.

Cornwallis at Portsmouth Marker (on right) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, February 12, 2014

2. Cornwallis at Portsmouth Marker (on right)

Arnold's British Defenses marker on left

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. This page has been viewed 937 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2009, by Kristin Rollins of Portsmouth, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 14, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.