Newport News, VA
Music connected to Newport News
About Newport News
- • Ella Fitzgerald, the "First Lady of Song", was born in Newport News.
- • The first successful open-heart surgery on an African American was performed here.
- • Collis P. Huntington chose this site for its deepwater access for shipbuilding.
- • Legend says Captain Newport brought "good news" of supplies, thus the name.
- • The Great Depression hit hard, causing widespread unemployment and hardship.
- • Named for Captain Christopher Newport, it was incorporated in 1896.
- • With over 185,000 residents, it's Virginia's fifth most populous city.
- • Sitting 16 feet above sea level, flooding is a constant concern.
- • Shipbuilding at Newport News Shipbuilding is the area's dominant industry.
- • A blend of maritime history and modern innovation creates a hopeful feeling.
- • The Norfolk Tides, a Triple-A baseball team, play just across the James River.
- • Allen Iverson, Bethel High School's basketball star, led the team to state titles.