Introduction
The site of what is now Norfolk was initially known as the Chesipean Indian town of Skicoak, who would sadly be later obliterated by Powhatan. The first Europeans arrived in the region in 1585 and settled on Roanoke Island, which is now located in North Carolina. The colony of Roanoke was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh, who would serve as the first governor of the region. Unfortunately for the settlers, the Outer Banks, where the colony was located, was on the brink of drought and the fate of the colonists is unknown and remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in American history. The city of Norfolk was incorporated in 1845 and became independent from Norfolk County in 1971. In spite of its prosperous beginnings, Norfolk’s future was jeopardized on New Year’s Day, 1776, when the British governor Virginia, Lord Dunmore, shelled the city of Norfolk. The governor’s forces had endured a staggering defeat of the Battle of the Great Bridge, and Dunmore was desperately trying to control the colonists’ rebellion. In the process, he destroyed almost three quarters of the city, razing over 800 buildings; colonists, eager to defend themselves, finished the destruction themselves, razing over 400 buildings. The city’s bad luck would continue: In 1855, the city endured a yellow fever epidemic, which, sadly, killed 1 of every 3 people living there.
The city of Norfolk showed its resilience when, in 1858, the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad was completed. Developed and built by William Mahone, it connected at Petersburg, where it offered services to points, north and west. The famous Battle of Hampton Roads was fought off of the city, in which the ironclads Merrimac and Monitor, fought each other. During the Civil War, Mahone helped to defend the city during Confederate occupation, which ended by the end of May, 1862.
The city of Norfolk was finally established as a major port, in the late 19th century, when another railway, the Norfolk and Western Railway, built a facility there. The Virginian Railway was completed in 1907, the same year as the Jamestown Exposition. The Exposition was so successful that the Norfolk Navy Base was built and completed by 1917.
The city is now a major Navy center. The region is home to the 5th Naval District, the Atlantic Fleet, the 2nd Fleet and the Supreme Allied Command, which are all located at Sewell’s Point, a peninsula of land that is independent of the city. When combined with Portsmouth, which is opposite Norfolk, on the Elizabeth River, it is considered one of the country’s largest navel complexes. In honour of the city’s role in the nation’s defense, several naval vessels have been named after the area. Another historical point worth noting is that General Douglas MacArthur is buried in the city and there is a museum dedicated to his memory, which commemorates his life and career.
There has been a large amount of urban renewal in Norfolk. By the end of the 1970s, developer, James W. Rouse, re-developed Waterside in the downtown section of the city. The project rejuvenated the area from a gritty harbour town to a trendy, lively place to live. The project also served as a springboard for other redevelopment projects, like the Festival Marketplace. The downtown section of Norfolk is now a fun, exciting place to live and has become very popular with the artists and upwardly mobile residents, who are now moving in.
Fast Facts
- Population: 42,514 people
- Median income for a household in the city: $40,846
- Median income for a family: $54,136
- Average temperatures: January 44F/32F; July 76F/46F
- Average precipitation: between 1.78 and 7.54 inches
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