Phoebus - The Gateway To The New World
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N 37° 01.084 W 076° 19.291
18S E 382441 N 4097692
Phoebus - The Gateway To The New World
Waymark Code: WM1MH4
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 06/02/2007
Views: 78
Written on the marker:
"This quaint waterfront community traces its origin back to April 30th 1607. It was here that the first English-speaking Colonists set foot in the New World and called this "safe harbor" Cape Comfort.
It began as a settlement for defenders and artisans of Fort Algernourne, the first fortification on the site of present day Fort Monroe, and later served as a port of call for freight and passenger ships.
By the Revolutionary War the community was called Mill Creek and on July 22, 1781, three hundred British soldiers landed at this small port and plundered the village.
At the onset of the Civil War, Union Troops were rushed to Fortress Nonroe and garrisoned on farm land surrounding Mill Creek. Many slaves that had traveled the underground to freedom at the Fortress took refuge in the village. At War's end Jefferson Davis was imprisoned at Fortress Monroe and the village blacksmith was called to apply the shackles to the defeated President of the Confederacy.
The establishment of the first school to educate Native-Indians and Freed Blacks (now Hampton University) and the establishment of a Civil War Veterans home (now Hampton Veterans Administration Medical Center) on properties adjacent to Mill Creek increased the community population.
April 1, 1900 the town was incorporated and took the name of Phoebus in honor of Harrison Phoebus, a prominent citizen and owner of the luxurious Hygeia Hotel at Fort Monroe.
Phoebus continued to grow and flourish during both World Wars as troops passed through to the port of embarkation at Old Point Comfort.
In 1952 the town was consolidated into the City of Hampton but never lost its strong sense of identity and pride.
Today this vital historical small town within the City of Hampton begins another century by preserving and honoring its past and working together to assure its future.
April 1, 2000
Dedicated with the Generous Support of the Phoebus Community
The Phoebus Improvement League"
Marker Title: Phoebus - The Gateway To The New World
Marker Location: Hampton, Virginia
County or Independent City: Hampton, VA
Marker Number: Not listed
Web Site: Not listed
Marker Program Sponsor: Not listed
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