In 1621 Captain William Newce arrived in Virginia from Ireland with settlers aboard the “Providence” and established a colony on The Nansemond River. Unfortunately Newce fell gravely ill and died shortly after his arrival in Virginia. Daniel Gookin, who resided in Carrigaline, Ireland at the time and was a friend and business partner of Newce arrived on his ship the “Flying Hart” some weeks later with provisions and settlers for the desperate colony. Saved from failure, The colony was named “New Port Newce”in honor of it’s original founder.
Because of Daniel Gookin’s involvement with the colony, Newport News and Carrigaline share an historical link with one another, as well as one the earliest connections between America and Ireland.This petition, which will be sent to The Newport News City Council and The County Council of Cork,Ireland; encourages each to recognize the other as a Sister City on or before November 22nd,2021 The 400th Anniversary of the colony’s founding.