Fort Nelson Park

Fort Nelson Park (FNP) is a very small park in Portsmouth, next to the Portsmouth Naval Hospital (PNH), on the corner of Crawford and Effingham Streets. While it might be a little park (±3.36-acres), it does have some attributes such as a large, grassy field and many historical markers to peruse. There are benches throughout, but no picnic tables or restrooms. However, it is good place to walk the dogs.The historical markers are the most interesting thing about PNH; Fort Nelson was built at the site where the PNH stands. The fort was constructed in 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Three years later, the British destroyed most of it. At one time, Benedict Arnold occupied the fort and it was rebuilt; it was even used during the Civil War. If you are at the hospital and need a break outside, it's just a short walk to FNP. I recommend reading the historical marks and relaxing on a bench--just make sure you don't need a bathroom.

There are no bathrooms, no playground swing sets, this plot of land is more of a walkable history lesson with a couple informative signs & a few Naval warship items throughout. You've got some massive screws (props, propellers = screws), a pretty cool desert sand painted gun that we would expect to see on a destroyer & nice, clean & wide pathways to walk or ride thru the park on. It's a nice, clean & quiet with a few park benches to relax on & watch the sun setting behind the Naval Hospital. If you have base access, there's a big field in the back beyond the gym that you can really get a great view of the setting sun from, but if not, Fort Nelson Park will do.