William “Billy” Flora was born a free person in Portsmouth around 1755. He was the town’s Blacksmith and became known for his acts of valor at the Battle of Great Bridge in December, 1775.
The Lafayette Arch was unveiled in 1976 as a part of the bicentennial celebration. It marks the entrance to Lafayette Park, a small pocket park dedicated to the memory and contributions of the Marquis de Lafayette, friend of the Patriots, hero of the American Revolution, and early abolitionist. Designed by local architect Mary Ramsay Brown …
The Portsmouth Flag Association placed a monument inside Lafayette Park in 1989 to memorialize those members of the Portsmouth community who went above and beyond in exercising their duties and were awarded America’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients: Army-Airforce PVT. Charles Veale– 4th U.S. Colored Troops (29 Sept …
The Hiker was sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson in 1905. This casting is one of at least fifty across the country. The statue was erected by the citizens of Portsmouth and Norfolk County on May 23, 1942. The dedication notes, “United Spanish War Veterans and Auxiliary commemorates the valor and patriotism of those who …
Commodore Richard Dale, a Portsmouth native, was the first Commodore of the Gosport (now Norfolk) Naval Shipyard. Captured twice by the British during the American Revolution, he returned to serve in the Continental Navy and later became one of the original six Commodores in 1794 when Congress created the U.S. Navy. The statue was erected …
Located on the Path to History, Fort Nelson Park tells the story of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center from its beginning in 1820. The sixteen interpretive signs in the park chronicle early medicine, the nurse corps, Yellow Fever, Hampton Roads first high rise building, and much more. Naval artifacts include guns, anchors, and buoys.
These three tall houses, located behind a high brick wall on the edge of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, were erected between 1837 and 1842 to serve as residences of the shipyard’s commanding officers. Many of their details, mostly in a Greek Revival idiom, follow designs illustrated in the architectural pattern books of Asher Benjamin. The …
The Pythian Castle building in on both the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places. This three story brick and stone building, with its visually arresting facade, is one of the best surviving examples of Romanesque Revival architecture in Portsmouth. This Virginia historical site was designed by local architect and builder Edward Overman and built …
Portsmouth’s former courthouse, the pivotal landmark of the city’s Four Corners at the intersection of Court and High streets, was built in 1846 as the Norfolk County Courthouse. It continued in that capacity until 1960 when the county was incorporated as the city of Chesapeake and the seat of govern-ment moved to Great Bridge. The …
Portsmouth’s Abigarlos is a rare rural residence in the city, a survivor from the early 19th century that stands on a remnant of its original farm acreage. Constructed around 1812, this Virginia historical site has remained in the Carney family, who relocated it on the property in 1896 and 1940. After that last move, then-owner …
A dominant landmark of the Portsmouth waterfront, this curved-front structure has been a symbol of the link between rail and sea commerce in Hampton Roads. Erected in 1894-95 and enlarged in 1914, this Virginia historical site served as the northern terminus and headquarters of the Seaboard Air Line railroad. This railroad transported to Portsmouth much …
Shea Terrace Elementary School was constructed in 1925 during a burst of school construction throughout the state. The city of Portsmouth’s population greatly increased during World War I with an influx of shipyard workers creating the need for more schools. Designed by master architect Charles M. Robinson, the elementary school was located in the Shea …
Also known as the Armistead House and to locals more recently as Dr. Madblood’s Castle, the Elks Lodge is an impressive example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This home was built in 1898 for Mrs. Laura Armistead. This home has gone through many iterations in its 122 year existence: After being home to the Armistead family …
Colonel Dempsey Watts built this house in 1799. It was originally constructed on a hill between Dinwiddie and Washington but moved to its present location in 1808. Congressman Henry Clay, Chief Blackhawk, and and President Andrew Jackson have all been entertained in this Virginia historical site.
Not available to visit due to military security. Constructed of large blocks of Massachusetts granite with sides built up in a series of giant tiers, this impressive engineering work is one of the first two drydocks erected by the U.S. government. Begun in 1827 and completed in 1834, it remains in regular use at the …
Freedom Boat Club offers members from all over the world the opportunity to explore the Elizabeth River by water. Boats available for fishing, wake-boarding, relaxing, or simply getting away for a bit. It’s like owning a boat without the hassles of owning a boat. Memberships available.
The Fort Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House was constructed in 1935 in Portsmouth. The building appears as a typical Tidewater-style house, with its one-and-a-half stories, prominent external chimney, and symmetrical façade, and exemplifies the Colonial Revival architectural trends of the 1930s. This Virginia historical site stands as an important …
This Virginia historical site is not available to visit due to military security. Originally known as the Norfolk Naval Hospital, this famous facility was an outgrowth of the 1798 Congressional act creating the Marine Hospital Service. Fort Nelson, a Revolutionary War defense work guarding the Norfolk harbor, was chosen as the hospital site in 1826. …
The Downtown Portsmouth Historic District, also known as the High Street Corridor, is comprised of buildings primarily dating to the years around the turn of the 20th century, and include such architectural styles as Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, and Romanesque Revival, as exemplified by Pythian Castle. Located within the district’s boundaries are churches …
A limited number of marina sips available for transient and permanent berthing. Newell’s specializes in custom repairs and additions, yacht restorations on both wooden and fiberglass vessels.
Inspired by the everyday family cooking that we grew up with, you’ll feel right at home while savoring a great meal in our casual and relaxed dining room. Experience our one of a kind BBQ flavors, attentive service, and friendly atmosphere. Ribs, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Open seven days a week from 11 AM until …
Hampton Roads Transit operates three 150-passenger ferries on the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth. They travel between North Landing and High Street in Portsmouth and the Waterside District in downtown Norfolk. They’re fast, economical and offer a unique view of the river and the waterfront. Ferries operate every 30 minutes with 15-minute service during …
Located in City Park, the monument recognizes those who died while serving in Portsmouth’s Light Artillery, organized originally in 1809. It was dedicated June 8, 1906. The shaft is eighteen feet high, of rough Virginia granite, with four polished sides. On one side is inscribed the names of Capt. Arthur Emmerson’s men who fought with …
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve is a 142-acre park dedicated to conservation, education, research, and recreation consistent with good stewardship. Hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and special wildlife programs are offered at the park. Though it is tidal, Hoffler Creek is flat water and accessible to individuals of any skill level. Seven individual and four tandem kayaks available …
The stone pyramid stands inside City Park and celebrates the Marquis d’Lafayette’s visit to Portsmouth in October 1824. The memorial was placed as part of the Centennial celebration on October 24, 1924 by the Fort Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The monument was restored in 2002.