Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is an independent city located in the U.S. commonwealth of Virginia.

It serves as the historical, urban, financial, and cultural center of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. This region is also sometimes called "Tidewater." The metropolitan area contains more than 1.8 million inhabitants. Norfolk is the 37th-largest metropolitan area in the United States. According to the 2020 census, the city had a population of 238,005. This makes it the third-most populous city in Virginia and the 100th-most populous city in the country.

The city occupies a strategic position at the confluence of the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay. This location allowed Norfolk to develop into a major center for trade and shipbuilding. It is a vital part of the Port of Virginia. The city is also home to Maersk Line, Limited. This company manages the world's largest fleet of US-flag vessels. Furthermore, Norfolk houses one of the two Strategic Command headquarters for NATO.

Long before European settlers arrived, the Chesepian people inhabited the area. They referred to the land as "K'che-sepi-ack." Historical accounts suggest the Powhatan destroyed Chesepian settlements shortly before Jamestown was established in 1607. In 1634, King Charles I reorganized the colony into a system of shires. The land for Norfolk was part of the Elizabeth City Shire. In 1636, Adam Thoroughgood was granted large land holdings along the Lynnhaven River. Thoroughgood immigrated from King's Lynn, Norfolk, in England. He suggested the name "New Norfolk County" for the area.

Norfolk's history includes periods of intense conflict and destruction. During the American Revolution, the city became the capital of Virginia in 1775. However, the city faced significant damage from naval cannonading by Lord Dunmore's fleet. In 1776, the Fourth Virginia Convention agreed to destroy many homes to prevent British use. A cannonball from this bombardment remains lodged in the wall of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

In 1804, a waterfront fire destroyed approximately 300 buildings. The city also struggled with an epidemic of yellow fever in 1855. The disease spread via mosquitoes and poor sanitation. By September, 5,000 people were infected, and about 3,200 people died in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The Civil War brought further changes to the region. In 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union. In 1862, the Battle of Hampton Roads occurred off the Sewell's Point Peninsula. This battle featured the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. It was the first fight between two ironclads, which are warships protected by metal plates.

This event changed naval warfare because warships became fortified with metal from then on. In May 1862, Union forces took control of the city. During this time, many escaped slaves established schools in Norfolk to learn reading and writing.

The 20th century saw Norfolk grow into a global naval powerhouse. The 1907 Jamestown Exposition demonstrated the peninsula's favorable location. This event helped lay the groundwork for the establishment of Naval Station Norfolk in 1917.

This facility remains the largest naval base in the world. The city also expanded its boundaries through several annexations. In 1906, it annexed the town of Berkley. In 1923, it added Sewell's Point, Willoughby Spit, Campostella, and Ocean View. The development of the Interstate Highway System and various tunnels also connected the city to surrounding areas.

Today, Norfolk is a major cultural destination with many institutions. Visitors can explore the Nauticus maritime museum.

The Chrysler Museum of Art and the Virginia Zoo are also notable landmarks.

The city offers many miles of riverfront and bayfront areas. These include various beaches located on the Chesapeake Bay. The urban landscape features busy streets with historic charm and modern developments.