I may have retouched that photo, just a little. In case anyone doesn't recognize it, this is a photo taken in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1861 after Federal forces had attempted to destroy the facilities as they evacuated in an attempt to deny them to Virginia state forces (Confederates) coming to occupy it. Call it a hat-tip to the ongoing Civil War 150th anniversary commemorations, which certainly deserve attention.
This weekend I had a chance to head over to Portsmouth and visit some of my local favorites - the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Museum and the shipyard itself. It's a visit I try to make a few times a year to go exploring with my military ID. Sometimes I lament that civilians aren't able to see the shipyard - which requires a military ID to get in - but harbors some truly awesome remnants of our Naval history. For those without a golden ticket, the museum is located in Downtown Portsmouth and you don't need one to get in, just a few dollars.
