Page:Memories of Virginia.djvu/120

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Memories of Virginia


ing associations, for in its waters has been made history since 1607. Since Discovery Day Point Comfort has held prominent place in the annals of two worlds. As a government reservation on which Fortress Monroe stands, and two famous hotels have made record to attract the pilgrims of the James. The "dear old Hygeia" is now a memory, it was in the range of the guns of the fort and was removed by order of the U. S. Government, but it lives in many hearts to echo the voice of the past. The Chamberlin is a living pleasure and with pride can claim to be the most popular resort of our "Home and Country."

An historical halo lingers over Old Point that is seen and felt, and no one returns to the mainland of "the continent" without having heard of the famous naval fight between the Merrimac and Monitor, that has given "The Beautiful Waters" a place in the world's records that will, live "while there is snow on the mountain or foam on the river."

Perhaps a Viking God may have inspired a Son of Norway and a Son of America, then commissioned the Merrimac and Monitor, to demonstrate the deadly power and destruction of armored warships, and the object lesson be given in the famous harbor of many memories. Perhaps to show the nations of the world the progress and expansion since the ships of Columbus touched the new world shore, with what was regarded "a wonder fleet."

A century later Hampton Roads was the shelter harbor for a fleet of destiny, the results we are celebrating to-day, nor do we forget only a century ago the United States Frigate,

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