National Register of Historic Places listings in Portsmouth, Virginia facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most important buildings and places in your city? In Portsmouth, Virginia, many special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of places that are super important to American history, architecture, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its value and efforts are made to protect it.
Portsmouth has 23 places and areas on this special list. Two of these are even more important and are called National Historic Landmarks! There was one more place on the list, but it's not there anymore. Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites in Portsmouth!
Contents
Discovering Portsmouth's Historic Places
Portsmouth is full of history, and many of its buildings and areas tell stories from the past. These places are like treasures that help us understand how the city grew and changed over time.
Historic Cemeteries and Monuments
Some places on the list are important because they remember people or events from long ago.
- Cedar Grove Cemetery: A Place of History
Located at 301 Fort Lane, Cedar Grove Cemetery was added to the National Register in 1992. It's a historic cemetery where many important people from Portsmouth's past are buried. Walking through it is like taking a trip back in time.
- Confederate Monument: A Mark of the Past
.jpg)
You can find the Confederate Monument where High and Court Streets meet. This monument, listed in 1997, reminds us of the American Civil War and its impact on the area.
Historic Districts: Neighborhoods with Stories
Some entries on the list aren't just one building, but whole neighborhoods! These "historic districts" have many old buildings that together show what life was like in different eras.
- Craddock Historic District: A Planned Community
The Cradock Historic District is a special area bounded by Paradise Creek, Victory Boulevard, and George Washington Highway. It was listed in 1974. Craddock was one of the first planned communities in the United States, built for shipyard workers during World War I. Its unique design makes it very important.
- Downtown Portsmouth Historic District: The Heart of the City
_(2).jpg)
The Downtown Portsmouth Historic District covers a large part of the city center, roughly bordered by Interstate 264, Middle Street, Primrose Street, and Queen Street. Added in 2004, this district shows off many beautiful old buildings that make up the historic downtown area.
- Park View Historic District: A Charming Neighborhood
Roughly bounded by Elm and Parkview Avenues, Fort Lane, Blair, and Harrell Streets, the Park View Historic District was listed in 1984. It's known for its lovely old homes and tree-lined streets, giving a glimpse into how people lived in the past.
- Port Norfolk Historic District: Riverside Charm
The Port Norfolk Historic District is roughly bounded by Bayview Boulevard, Chatauqua Avenue, Hartford Street, Douglas Avenue, and Hull Creek. This district, listed in 1983, has a unique feel with its historic homes close to the water.
- Portsmouth Olde Towne Historic District: The Oldest Part
The Portsmouth Olde Towne Historic District is the oldest part of the city, bounded by Crawford Parkway, London Street, the Elizabeth River, and extending west of Washington Street. It was listed way back in 1970 and includes Grace and Queen Streets. This area is filled with beautiful historic homes and buildings that show Portsmouth's long history.
- Truxtun Historic District: A Community Built for Workers
The Truxtun Historic District includes Portsmouth and Deep Creek Boulevards, and Manly, Dahlia, Hobson, Dewey, and Bagley Streets. Listed in 1982, Truxtun was another planned community, built for African American workers at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard during World War I.
Important Buildings and Structures
Many individual buildings are also recognized for their historical importance.
- Commodore Theatre: A Grand Old Movie House
.jpg)
The Commodore Theatre at 421 High Street was listed in 1997. This historic movie theater is known for its amazing architecture and has been a popular entertainment spot for many years.
- Drydock Number One, Norfolk Naval Shipyard: A National Landmark
Located within the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Drydock No. 1 is a very special place. It was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1970! This drydock is one of the oldest and most important naval drydocks in the United States, showing the long history of shipbuilding in Portsmouth.
- Fort Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House: A Historic Meeting Place
The Fort Nelson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter House, at 506 Westmoreland Avenue, was listed in 2007. This building has served as a meeting place for a group dedicated to preserving American history.
- LIGHTSHIP No. 101, PORTSMOUTH: A Floating Landmark
The LIGHTSHIP No. 101, PORTSMOUTH is docked at London Slip on the Elizabeth River. This unique floating lighthouse was made a National Historic Landmark in 1989! It helped guide ships safely for many years.
- Monumental Methodist Church: A Place of Worship
.jpg)
The Monumental Methodist Church at 450 Dinwiddie Street was listed in 2004. This church has been an important part of the community for a long time, serving as a place of worship and gathering.
- Portsmouth Community Library: A Hub for Learning
The Portsmouth Community Library at 906 Elm Street was added to the list in 2010. Libraries are vital places for learning and community, and this building has a special place in Portsmouth's history.
- Portsmouth Courthouse: A Center of Justice
.jpg)
The Portsmouth Courthouse is located at the northwestern corner of Court and High Streets. Listed in 1970, this building has been a central place for legal matters and local government for many years.
- Portsmouth Naval Hospital: Healing Through History
The Portsmouth Naval Hospital is on Hospital Point at Washington and Crawford Streets. It was listed in 1972. This hospital has a long and important history of caring for naval personnel and their families.
- Pythian Castle: A Unique Building
_(3).jpg)
The Pythian Castle at 610-612 Court Street was listed in 1980. Its name suggests a unique and interesting architectural style, making it stand out in the city.
- Quarters A, B, and C, Norfolk Naval Shipyard: Homes of Leaders
These historic homes, Quarters A, B, and C, are located within the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Listed in 1974, these buildings were once homes for important officers at the shipyard.
- St. Paul's Catholic Church: A Spiritual Landmark
St. Paul's Catholic Church at 518 High Street was listed in 2002. This church has been a significant spiritual center for the community for many years.
- Seaboard Coastline Building: A Link to Transportation
The Seaboard Coastline Building at 1 High Street was added to the list in 1985. This building is a reminder of the important role railroads played in connecting cities and transporting goods and people.
- Shea Terrace Elementary School: Educating Generations
Shea Terrace Elementary School at 253 Constitution Avenue was listed in 2002. This school building has seen many generations of students pass through its doors, playing a key role in the education of Portsmouth's children.
- Trinity Episcopal Church: An Enduring Presence
.jpg)
Trinity Episcopal Church at High and Court Streets was listed in 1973. This church has been a long-standing part of the community, with a rich history of its own.
Former Historic Listings
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This usually happens if the building is changed too much or is no longer standing.
- The Circle: A Place from the Past
The Circle was once located at 3010 High Street and was listed in 2006. However, it was removed from the list in 2017 because it was torn down in 2013. Even though it's gone, it was once a recognized historic spot in Portsmouth.
