Elizabeth River

Elizabeth River is a Virginia historical marker in Portsmouth County, dedicated 1958.

Portsmouth County · dedicated 1958 · Crawford Parkway, at Court Street

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The Elizabeth River, explored by Captain John Smith in 1608, was named for Princess Elizabeth. Shipbuilding activity began in 1620 when John Wood, a shipbuilder, requested a land grant. Many historic ships were built at the naval shipyard here, including the USS Delaware, first ship dry-docked in America, and CCS Virginia, (Ex-Merrimac), first ironclad to engage in battle.

Maps this old were drawn largely by eye, so places on them can sit miles from where they really are. The pin is ours and marks the marker's location today.

TodayHistorical map

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John Carter Brown Library, Brown University

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Marker program managed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

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