Welcome to Portsmouth

Established in 1832, Cedar Grove is the oldest city-owned cemetery in Portsmouth. Listed on the Virginia and national registers of historic sites, the cemetery is noted for its funerary art and the civic, business, maritime, religious and military leaders who are buried there. Historical markers placed throughout the cemetery allow for self-guided tours.
Location: Cemetery is located between Effingham Street and Fort Lane in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Enter through the south gate to the cemetery, located behind Hardee's on London Boulevard.

The "Path of History" links two of the nation's oldest Navy facilities, the Naval Medical Center and the Naval Shipyard, both in Portsmouth.

A 1-acre park is at the south end of the "Path of History," near the Naval Shipyard. The park has brick walkways and two 75,000-pound propellers from naval supply ships. Signs featuring key milestones in the Naval Shipyard's 200+ year history are displayed, along with various artifacts, such as a refurbished sail from a former submarine and Navy guns that were once used on vessels built at the shipyard.

The north end of the "Path of History" is a 3-acre park at the entrance to the nation's first Navy hospital. Located near the gate of the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, the park is home to artifacts and historical signs. This medical institution was built in 1830 and has served the military through every major conflict from that time to the present.

Stops between the two parks include the Fresnel Lens, historic homes like the Pass House and the Hill House, and places of worship, such as Chevra T'helim Temple and Court Street Baptist Church. Visit the entire "Path of History" or stop at various sites to learn about Portsmouth's history in a leisurely fashion.