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Escort Notes
An Unusual Name With Unusual History Newport News' current site is labeled Point Hope on Captain John Smith's map of Virginia. The first reference to "Newportes Newes" appears in the Virginia Company's records of 1619. The name's origination is believed to have come from Captain Christopher Newport, commander of the three ship English fleet that originally landed at Jamestown in 1607. According to one popular version, when the colonists abandoned Jamestown in 1610, they ended their exodus when they learned of Lord De La Warr's arrival with 150 new settlers and ample provisions. It was Captain Newport, so the story goes, who brought hopeful news from England when he sailed back to the struggling settlement from his cross-Atlantic voyages. So, the place where it occurred is remembered as "Newport's News," which is how the name usually was printed until the city's formal founding in 1896.
Newport News today is approximately 23 miles long and 3 miles wide, encompassing 69 square miles. It is the 5th largest city by population in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Coincidentally, the first through third largest cities by population are Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and the state’s capital of Richmond coming in 4th. Many of our citizens are assigned to the various military installations in the area and Newport News Shipbuilding is one of the largest maritime yards in the world employing more than 20,000 people.
Civil War - Newport News played a major role in the 1862 Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War. Visitors can view some of the most extensive earthwork fortifications at the site of the Battle of Dam No.1. This engagement was Union Major General McClellan's only attempt to break through the Confederate defenses along the Warwick River. Built by Confederate Major General Magruder, these fortifications stymied McClellan's grand advance against Richmond.
In addition, the famous "Battle of the Ironclads" took place off the shores of Newport News in March of 1862. The battle between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (Merrimack) ended in a draw, yet the Virginia's existence denied Union Major General McClellan use of the James River during the early stages of the war.
World War I - The U.S. Army designated the city of Newport News as a Port of Embarkation immediately after the United States entered World War I. With its great shipyard and its railroad running straight into a highly sophisticated system of piers, pier terminals and warehouses, it seemed that shipyard founder Collis P. Huntington had invented the port for wartime use. Because city residents responded with tremendous patriotic energy to cater to every soldier's need, it was said that Newport News was selected not for its key geographic location, but "solely on the industry of her people."
Numerous camps were set up to send the "doughboys" overseas to fight in World War I. The final major military base formed was Camp (and later Fort) Eustis, named after the founder of Fort Monroe's Artillery School of Practice and a veteran of the War of 1812, Brigadier General Abraham Eustis. The camp was created in 1918, to meet the need for an artillery firing range.
World War II - Newport News has always been willing to step up when there was a job to be done. On September 12, 1940, the SS Quanza carrying more than 80 Jewish refugees from Hitler's oppression, arrived to take on coal after being refused entry because of invalid visas by Vera Cruz, Mexico and New York City. A Newport News maritime attorney, Jacob Morewitz, came to their rescue. He filed an injunction to delay the ship's departure. This allowed others to plead the refugees' case before Congress, the State Department and even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Finally the refugees were granted 60 day visas, leading to their eventual salvation from the Holocaust.
Newport News' mission during World War II was to load ships with men and supplies that were needed overseas and to keep building ships to win the war. The Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, headquartered in Newport News, was one of eight major ports of embarkation that functioned as "faucets to fill the military pipeline."
Camp Patrick Henry was established as a staging area for troops in 1942, in the area where Mary Immaculate Hospital and the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport now stand. It could handle up to 35,000 troops preparing to leave or returning from war.
Another first for Newport News was the establishment of a Prisoner of War (POW) Work Camp at the Port of Embarkation. The POWs were utilized for a multitude of tasks such as KP, laundry and salvage duties to help relieve the extensive manpower shortage.
Climate - Crisp autumn air, snow flurries in the park, warm spring showers or a sunbather's paradise - Newport News enjoys all four seasons, and best of all, they are celebrated in moderation. We average 37 degrees from November to March, but we do have an occasional snowfall making our parks a winter wonderland. July is our warmest month, but the offshore breeze keeps the waterside pleasant. And we average just less than 4 inches of rain per month ... ALL YEAR! Clear skies and comfortable temperatures are conditions you experience most of the time while visiting Newport News.
Industry - Collis P. Huntington, a northern railroad tycoon from Connecticut, brought the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad to Newport News. Regular rail service commenced on May 1, 1882. The first passenger train left Richmond at seven in the morning and arrived in Newport News at seven that night. Lee Hall Mansion, home of Richard Decauter Lee, gave its name to a small village which today forms the upper boundary of the city. In Lee Hall Village, a one-room railway station provided residents' access to Newport News or Richmond, and from there to anywhere.
Huntington next sought to build a shipyard to repair the ships servicing the transportation hub. It was originally called the Chesapeake Drydock & Construction Company when chartered in 1886. By 1891, the name had changed to Newport News Shipbuilding and it delivered its first ship: a tugboat named Dorothy. By 1897, they had built three warships. With the coming of war the production at the shipyard increased. Historic Hilton Village, an enclave of 500 English cottage-style homes, was built between 1918 and 1920 to provide war-time housing for shipyard workers, who delivered 25 destroyers to the US Navy. Northrop Grumman Newport News began producing aircraft carriers in the 1930s. The first nuclear submarine was launched in 1959, and the first nuclear aircraft carrier was launched in 1960. With 115 years of experience under her belt, Newport News Shipbuilding has become the premiere shipyard for aircraft carriers, submarines and fleet services to the military.
Street Names and Signpost - Warwick County, Warwick Boulevard and Warwick River were all named for Sir Robert Rich, the Second Earl of Warwick. Rich was a Virginia Company stockholder and was appointed by King James I as Royal Administrator to the colony of Virginia in 1624. J. Clyde Morris Boulevard was named for a dedicated public servant, J. Clyde Morris, who spent 32 years in public service helping oversee the tremendous expansion of municipal services to meet the needs of this growing community. Jefferson Avenue was named for Thomas Jefferson, a Virginia statesman and third President of the United States.
And Another Thing - Hampton Roads harbor, located at the confluence of the James and Elizabeth Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, is one of the world's largest natural harbors.
The Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Memorial Tunnel which connects Newport News and Suffolk was completed in April 1992, at a cost of $800 million. It provides an alternate route to those using the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel or the James River Bridge.
The Cardinal is the state bird and the Dogwood is the state tree. There is an abundance of both found in beautiful Newport News!
DOWNING-GROSS CULTURAL ARTS CENTER
INFORMATION:
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 247-8950
www.downinggross.org
DIRECTIONS: I-664 South to Exit 6, keep left to take the 27th street ramp. Stay straight on 27th street for approximately 0.5 mile, then take a right onto Wickham Avenue, Downing-Gross is on the left. I-664 North to Exit 6, keep right to take the 25th street ramp. Stay straight on 25th street for approximately 0.5 mile, then take a right onto Wickham Avenue, Downing-Gross is on the left.
DESCRIPTION: The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center houses the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, 276-seat venue that honors the "First Lady of Song," who was born in Newport News in 1917. Originally built as the Walter Reed School, this historic building has been restored and reopened to the public in October 2008.
ENDVIEW PLANTATION
INFORMATION:
Endview Plantation
362 Yorktown Road
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 887-1862
(757) 888-3369 fax
www.endview.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 East to Exit 247, left at stop sign. Travel .5 mile, then left at traffic light. Endview is on the right. I-64 West to Exit 247, right at stop sign. Continue through traffic light. Endview is on the right.
DESCRIPTION: Endview Plantation was built in 1769 by William Harwood. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Endview's owner, Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis, formed the Warwick Beauregards, which became Company H, 32nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry. During the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, Endview served as headquarters for Confederate generals McLaws and Toombs. The site is maintained today as a living history museum.
FERGUSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
INFORMATION:
Ferguson Center for the Arts
1 University Place
Newport News, VA 23606
Toll Free: 877-840-0457
(757) 594-8752
www.fergusoncenter.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 West to Exit 258A, merge onto J Clyde Morris Blvd. Travel 3.0 miles, turn slight right onto Warwick Blvd then turn left onto University Place. Ferguson Center for the Arts is on the right. I-64 East to Exit 258A, travel 3.0 miles, turn slight right onto Warwick Blvd. Turn left onto University Place and travel approximately 0.1 mile. Ferguson Center for the Arts is on the right.
DESCRIPTION: In just eight years, Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts has become an international force, presenting the finest cultural attractions in the world. More than 1 million people from around the nation have experienced hundreds of performances in our acoustically-superb theatres. The eclectic nature of our season is consistent with our mission: to offer a broad range of performances, reach the largest possible number of community members, all-the-while maintaining our status of as the finest performing arts center in Hampton Roads.
JAMES A. FIELD HOUSE
INFORMATION:
James A. Fields House
617 27th Street
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 245-1991
(757) 245-7759 fax
DIRECTIONS: I-664 South to Exit 6. Turn slight left and take the 27th Street Ramp, continue straight on 27th Street.
DESCRIPTION: James A. Fields (1844-1903) was a teacher, lawyer and member of the Virginia House of Delegates. The house was used by Mr. Fields as his law office and primary residence from 1897 to 1903. In 1908, it housed the first Newport News hospital for blacks. Today, this restored home gives visitors a glimpse into the life of urban blacks in Newport News during the 1900s.
LEE HALL MANSION
INFORMATION:
Lee Hall Mansion
163 Yorktown Road
Newport News, VA 23603
(757) 888-3371
(757) 888-3373 fax
www.leehall.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 East to Exit 247, left at stop sign. Travel .5 mile, then right at traffic light. Lee Hall is on the right. I-64 West to Exit 247, left at stop sign, Lee Hall is on the right.
DESCRIPTION: Completed in 1859, Lee Hall was home to affluent planter Richard Decauter Lee. One of the last remaining antebellum homes on the Virginia Peninsula, Lee Hall was used as a headquarters by Confederate generals Johnston and Magruder during the Peninsula Campaign. Today, guided tours of this restored home give a look back into the lives of a wealthy family during the 1860s.
PENINSULA FINE ARTS CENTER
INFORMATION:
Peninsula Fine Arts Center
101 Museum Drive
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 596-8175
(757) 596-0807 fax
www.pfac-va.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 to Exit 258A. Travel approximately 2 miles and cross over Route 60 (Warwick Boulevard) into The Mariners’ Museum Park. Turn right at the stop sign, follow road around and Center is on the left.
DESCRIPTION: Explore the world of art! View diverse artworks and dynamic exhibitions that change every few months. Let kids create personal masterpieces in the interactive Hands On For Kids gallery. Find original works by local artists in the Gallery Shop. Experience art classes, special programs and events, gallery talks and performing arts. Enjoy free music and refreshments at the Arts Café on Thursday evenings. At the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, "Art Is What You Make It."
Peninsula S.P.C.A. Exotic Sanctuary & Petting Zoo
INFORMATION:
Peninsula S.P.C.A. Exotic Sanctuary & Petting Zoo
523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 595-1399
(757) 595-9945 fax
www.peninsulaspca.com
DIRECTIONS: I-64 to Exit 258A. Travel approximately 1.5 miles. S.P.C.A. is on the right.
DESCRIPTION: Bring the kids and don't forget your camera. Our Petting Zoo has chickens, goats, deer and even a peacock! What an irresistible opportunity for great pictures. The Exotic Animal Sanctuary has an African mandrill, otters, a Siberian tiger, and a black leopard.
THE MARINERS’ MUSEUM
INFORMATION:
The Mariners’ Museum
100 Museum Drive
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 596-2222
(757) 591-7320 fax
www.mariner.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 to Exit 258B. Travel approximately 2 miles and cross over Route 60 (Warwick Boulevard) into The Mariners’ Museum Park. Museum is straight ahead.
DESCRIPTION: Designated by Congress as America's National Maritime Museum, The Mariners' Museum is home to the premier Civil War attraction in the country—the USS Monitor Center. In addition, over 60,000 square feet of exhibition space allows you to escape to the Chesapeake Bay, steer a wooden sailing ship, sit in an aircraft carrier ready room and marvel at the renowned Crabtree Collection of Miniature Ships.
THE NEWSOME HOUSE MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER
INFORMATION:
The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center
2803 Oak Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 247-2360
(757) 928-6754 fax
www.newsomehouse.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 to Exit 264 and merge onto I-664. Take Exit 3. Approximately 1 mile turn left onto Aberdeen Road, turn right onto VA-143 W/28th Street, turn left onto Oak Avenue. Newsome House is on right.
DESCRIPTION: The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center is the restored 1899 residence of the African-American attorney J. Thomas Newsome, a respected attorney, journalist, churchman and civic leader who prospered as part of the postwar south's new urban African-American middle class. His Queen Anne residence served as the hub of the local black community from which he led the fight for social justice within Virginia.
U.S. ARMY TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM
INFORMATION:
U.S. Army Transportation Museum
300 Washington Boulevard
Ft. Eustis, VA 23604
(757) 878-1115
(757) 878-5656 fax
U.S. Army Transportation Museum Website
DIRECTIONS: Exit 250A from I-64. Please note all visitors to Fort Eustis must show valid IDs (driver’s license and/or photo ID) and vehicle registration.
DESCRIPTION: Explore the world of Army transportation from steam locomotives of days past to the experimental rocket belt. Experience the history of wagons, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, locomotives, tugboats and experimental craft such as the "flying jeep." Examine 200 years of Army transportation through models, dioramas and full-size vehicles and equipment.
VIRGINIA LIVING MUSEUM
INFORMATION:
Virginia Living Museum
524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 595-1900
(757) 599-4897 fax
www.thevlm.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 to Exit 258A. Travel approximately 1.5 miles. Museum is on the left.
DESCRIPTION: Explore Virginia's natural heritage from the mountains to the sea with living exhibits that look back at you. Experience a steamy cypress swamp and a cool mountain cove. Explore the underwater world of the Chesapeake Bay and the underground realm of a limestone cave. Enjoy hands-on activities and an observatory. Outdoors, stroll the boardwalk to view animals in naturalized habitats and see native plant gardens.
VIRGINIA WAR MUSEUM
INFORMATION:
Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23607
(757) 247-8523
(757) 247-8627 fax
www.warmuseum.org
DIRECTIONS: I-64 to Exit 258A. Travel approximately 2 miles and turn left onto Route 60 East (Warwick Boulevard). Travel approximately 3 miles and turn right onto Hornet Circle. Take first right past the Rose Garden and follow the road.
DESCRIPTION: American military history unfolds at the Virginia War Museum. Collections of artifacts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms and posters trace the development of the U.S. military from 1775 to the present. See a section of the Berlin Wall and a portion of the outer wall from Dachau Concentration Camp. Galleries include Women at War, Marches Toward Freedom and Visions of War , the museum's propaganda poster collection.
