Fort Nelson, Colonial fortification in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Fort Nelson stood on Hospital Point with defensive structures designed to protect the Elizabeth River and the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Virginia authorities constructed Fort Nelson in 1776 during the American Revolution, with timber and rammed earth to support a garrison of 150 soldiers.
The fort received its name from Thomas Nelson Jr, who served as the governor of Virginia in 1781 during critical moments of independence.
The site of Fort Nelson transformed into the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in 1827, marking the end of its military defensive purpose.
Confederate forces rebuilt the fortification in 1861, but abandoned it within a year, leading to its final demolition during the Civil War.
Location: Virginia
Inception: 1776
GPS coordinates: 36.84722,-76.30417
Latest update: March 4, 2025 14:21
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