Norfolk, VA

About Norfolk

• • Ella Fitzgerald, the "First Lady of Song," was born in Newport News, near Norfolk.
• • The Attucks Theatre, a national historic landmark, showcased Black performers in the early 20th century.
• • Its deepwater port made Norfolk a crucial naval and trade hub, shaping its identity.
• • The Battleship Wisconsin, a floating museum, played a role in three major wars.
• • The Great Fire of 1907 destroyed much of downtown, prompting significant rebuilding.
• • Named for Norfolk, England, it was established as a borough in 1736.
• • With over 235,000 residents, it is Virginia's third most populous city.
• • Sitting at 12 feet above sea level, it faces increasing flood risks.
• • A major hub for the U.S. Navy, defense is a prominent industry.
• • The salty air, historic charm, and naval presence evoke a feeling of grounded patriotism.
• • The Norfolk Tides, a Triple-A baseball team, have cultivated major league talent.
• • Old Dominion University's basketball team upset #3 Villanova in the 2011 NCAA Tournament.
• • The area's land is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, formed by sedimentary deposits over millions of years.
• • The Elizabeth River, a tidal estuary, significantly shapes the landscape and maritime activity.
• • Loggerhead sea turtles nest on beaches near Norfolk.
• • Maritime forests with loblolly pines and bald cypress are common ecosystems.
• • The Chesapeake people, an Algonquian-speaking tribe, inhabited the area before European colonization.
• • In 1776, the Battle of Great Bridge was fought near Norfolk, a Patriot victory.
• • Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, built in 1739, still bears a cannonball from the Revolutionary War.
• • The Freemason Abbey Restaurant is rumored to be haunted by a former owner.
• • Interstate 64 connects Norfolk with other major cities in Virginia.

Artists From Norfolk

Songs About Norfolk

Nearby Places