In A Newport Minute | 1886-1895

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This video is the 12th in our series, In A Newport Minute, created by the Newport Historical Society as part of Newport’s contribution to America Turns 250. Each installment highlights a moment in American history within a ten‑year span, beginning in 1776 and continuing to the present day.

Across these 25 short videos, we’ll explore how Newport grew, adapted, and evolved alongside the nation—sometimes in step with national events, sometimes in its own unique way. Our goal is to bring local history to life and show how our community’s story fits into the larger American narrative.

We invite you to follow along every two weeks as we share new chapters in Newport’s past.

Overview

This video recounts the life and naval career of George Eugene Belknap, explaining why Newport honored him by naming Belknap Avenue after him. It highlights his local roots, family connections to the land, and long service to the U.S. Navy across sea and shore postings.

The narrative emphasizes Belknap’s Civil War actions, global deployments protecting American interests, leadership in transpacific cable exploration, later administrative roles, and posthumous recognition, including ship namings and burial at Arlington.

All of the videos in the series can be viewed using the link below:

Sources:

• Belknap, George E.
  • Rear Admiral George Eugene Belknap, USN
  • Belknap I (Screw Steamer)
  • USS Belknap (CG-26)
  • George Belknap
  • George Eugene Belknap (1832–1903)
• Historical Context and Vessels
  • The Blockade
  • NH 56130: USS Canonicus
  • USS Canonicus (1863)
  • USS Tuscarora
• Additional References
  • Historical Item Listing
  • Group Post: 934654520387118
  • Edmund Burke (Congressman)

Key Words:

George E. Belknap, Newport, New Hampshire, Belknap Avenue, Main Street, Pine Street, New Hampshire Argus & Spectator, Sawyer Belknap, Martha Aiken Belknap, Andrew Aiken, Fred W. Aiken, Edmund Burke, U.S. Navy Academy, Ellen Deborah Reed, Alice, Frances Georgiana Prescott, Preston, Reginald, Grafton, Civil War, Union, Confederate, Canonicus, China, Panama, Chile, Japan, Hawaii, Tuscarora, Asia, North America, Virginia, Florida, California, Naval Observatory, Washington DC, Key West, Arlington National Cemetery

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