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Hampton Roads Heritage Hunt: Portsmouth

Portsmouth Location:

1) The Commodore Theater and James Barron Gravesite, 421 High St

Scroll down for more information about this site and for the questions to answer!


sailing frigate
Caption: Oil Painting by Frank Muller; C. 1910. USS Chesapeake was one of the U.S. Navy’s original Six Frigates. It was built at Gosport Navy Yard, today Norfolk Naval Shipyard, in Portsmouth Virginia, and was launched in 1799.

 

Location : Downtown Portsmouth

The Commodore Theater and James Barron Gravesite

421 High St

Title: Listen to this audio clip to learn about James Barron's time in the U.S. Navy.

old man with white hair wearing a naval uniform
Caption: Commodore James Barron (1768-1851) fought in the Quasi-War with France and the Barbary Wars. He commanded USS Chesapeake when it was attacked by HMS Leopard on June 22, 1807.

 

Heritage Hunt Questions for Portsmouth

9) Look closely at the historical marker/plaque on the outside of the Commodore Theater. There is an inaccurate claim. What is it?

10) Investigate the areas around the theater. What is the name of the cemetery where Barron is buried?

11) As proof that you found Barron’s grave, count the number of iron posts on the gate surrounding Barron. Include the corner posts, but not the one that is missing.

Check it out! Portsmouth Naval Hospital’s original structure is outside of the downtown area. Today, it is Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Learn more about this historical site by watching our Local History Spotlight.

Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Local History Spotlight 

 

Your next city on the Heritage Hunt will be Chesapeake! Click here to go to the Chesapeake page.

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Published: Wed Jun 26 14:36:22 EDT 2024