Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Immediately after the secession convention announced their vote, Norfolk's mayor ordered the local militia, including Kevill and Etheridge, to seize strategic points. Kevill took Fort Norfolk on the Elizabeth River below the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and moved heavy artillery pieces from the War of 1812 found in the basement of city hall there to defend the harbor. Etheridge's company occupied Washington Point across the Elizabeth River from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.