MILITARY · HISTORICAL MARKER

Elizabeth River

Military
3
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, the first ship dry-docked in America, and CSS Virginia (ex-Merrimac), the first ironclad to engage in battle.
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Norfolk, Virginia · United States
Norfolk, Virginia
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