Civil War anchor goes on display at Great Bridge Bridge

CHESAPEAKE

The city’s newest landmark is a 14-foot, 5-ton Civil War-era anchor that’s now on display at the foot of the Great Bridge Bridge.

The anchor, made in 1861 by the Washington Navy Yard, was unearthed several years ago on the shore opposite the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the former Gosport Shipyard.

Chesapeake resident and artist Mark Carey presented the anchor to the city Wednesday as a gift to be used as part of a permanent display being created in the area by the Great Bridge Battlefield and Historic Waterways Foundation. The anchor sits across the street from the planned battlefield park and visitor center.

The anchor remains somewhat of a mystery. It’s ship is unknown. It could have come from a Civil War vessel.

“This is the largest anchor of its kind produced for wooden ships,’’ Carey said.

The anchor is engraved with the serial number 1055, the date 1861 and the markings WNY and comes with a full complement of chain. It’s on display at the northwest end of the bridge on Battlefield Boulevard.

Mid-Atlantic Terminals unearth the anchor while excavating. Carey was told about the find, went to view it and brushed away heavy mud to identify its origins.

“I knew we had something special,’’ he said.

Vanwin Coatings of Virginia volunteered its services to clean and coat the anchor. Earl Industries, LLC., and Crofton Construction Services helped in transporting and placing the anchor.

“It’s a beautiful relic of the Civil War,’’ said Ronald Ritter, senior vice president at Earl Industries. “We’re proud to be a part of this and happy to do what we could.’’

The anchor rests on historic granite blocks from the original locks of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Former Councilwoman S.Z. “Debbie’’ Ritter help coordinate the effort. Chesapeake resident Neil Abramson alerted the city to the granite blocks, which also are being used to provide seating around the anchor.

John Hopkins, (757) 222-5221, john.hopkins@pilotonline.com