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

Norfolk Naval Shipyard

“The Beginning”

— 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. Founded November 1767 under the British flag by Andrew Sprowle, a Scottish-born merchant, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard is the U.S. Navy's oldest, continuously operating shipyard and actually predates the United States Navy Department by nearly 30 years.

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

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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 (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.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, September 1, 2014

2. Norfolk Naval Shipyard Markers

Gosport Park south entrance image. Click for full size.

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 588 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.