The Elizabeth River has long been a part of our country’s history, dating back to the first Native American villages sighted by Captain John Smith during his 1608 discovery journey—land grants followed on both sides of the Western Branch tributary. Plantations, farms, and the maritime industry brought people. Founded in 1752, Portsmouth holds a significant place in our nation’s history, from the Revolution to the Civil War; and remains an important modern seaport today. This tour showcases the riverbank neighborhoods of Glenshellah, Green Acres, and Sterling Point, providing visitors with access to six private properties. Each is unique, featuring diverse architecture, settings, and stories to tell of beauty, conservation, and restoration.