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Renting an Apartment in Norfolk
What You Should Know
Norfolk is
an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States of
America. With a population of 234,403 as of the 2000 census, Norfolk is
Virginia's second-largest incorporated city. Norfolk is also one of few urban
areas in Virginia showing a resurgence in population, with an estimated
population of 238,832 in 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Norfolk is located in the Hampton Roads region, named for the large natural
harbor of the same name located at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. Norfolk is one
of nine cities and seven counties that constitute the Hampton Roads metropolitan
area, officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA.
The city is bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the
Chesapeake Bay. It also shares land borders with the independent cities of
Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. One of the oldest of the
Seven Cities of Hampton Roads, Norfolk is considered to be the historic, urban,
financial, and cultural center of the region.
The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point.
Norfolk is home to both the Norfolk Naval Base, the world's largest naval base,
and corporate headquarters of the Norfolk Southern Railway, one of North
America's principal Class I railroads. As it is surrounded by multiple bodies of
water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront property, and is linked
with its neighbors by an extensive network of Interstate highways, bridges,
tunnels, and bridge-tunnel complexes.
History
Colonial period
In 1619, the Governor for the Virginia Colony, Sir George Yeardley established 4
incorporations, termed citties (sic) for the developed portion of the colony.
These citties were to form the basis for the government of the colony in the
newly minted House of Burgesses, with the entire eastern portion of the Hampton
Roads region falling under the Elizabeth Cittie incorporation, the remainder
being in James Cittie, immediately to the west.
In 1622, Adam Thoroughgood (1604-1640) of King's Lynn, Norfolk, England, became
one of the earliest Englishmen to settle in the area that was to become South
Hampton Roads when, at the age of 18, he became an indentured servant to pay for
passage to the Virginia Colony. After his period of contracted servitude was
finished, he earned his freedom and soon became a leading citizen of the
fledgling colony.[2]
Meanwhile, after years of continuing struggles at Jamestown, the now bankrupt
Virginia Company had its royal charter revoked by King James I in 1624 and
Virginia became a crown colony. Also at this time, the King granted 500 acres (2
km�) of land to Thomas Willoughby, in what is now the Ocean View section of the
city.
In 1629, Thoroughgood was elected to the House of Burgesses for Elizabeth Cittie.
Five years later, in 1634, the King Charles I had the colony reorganized under a
system of 8 shires, with much of the eastern Hampton Roads region becoming part
of Elizabeth City Shire. In 1636, Thoroughgood was granted a large land holding
along the Lynnhaven River (which he named) for having persuaded 105 people to
settle in the colony. When the South Hampton Roads portion of Elizabeth City
Shire was partitioned off in that same year, it was Thoroughgood who contributed
the name of Norfolk, also in honor of his birthplace, to the newly formed New
Norfolk County. It was also during this reorganization that King Charles granted
a further 200 acres (0.8 km�) (present day downtown) to the Willoughby family; a
portion of which would later form the basis for the future city of Norfolk.
Shortly thereafter, in 1637, New Norfolk County was itself split into 2
counties, Upper Norfolk County and Lower Norfolk County, largely on
Thoroughgood’s recommendation. The modern city of Norfolk is located in the
latter.
In 1670, a royal decree was issued for the "building of storehouses to receive
imported merchandise. . .and tobacco for export" for each of the Virginia
colony's 20 counties. Norfolk’s protected harbor and natural deep water channels
was quickly recognized for its potential as a major seaport, and in order to
protect that potential, in 1673 the House of Burgesses called for the
construction of a "Half Moone" fort at the site of what is now Town Pointe Park.
The largest threat to the colony during this time was a potential attack by one
of the other major European powers, and by the Dutch in particular. The ongoing
Third Anglo-Dutch War, as well as the recent recapture of New York/New Amsterdam
helped spur fears that the new port might also come under attack. Nonetheless,
Norfolk quickly grew in size and by 1680 an act for the establishment of the
"Towne of Lower Norfolk County" had been issued by the House. This act was
subsequently fulfilled in 1682 when 50 acres were purchased by the county for
10,000 pounds of tobacco. The town initially encompassed a land area northeast
of the point where the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River meets its southern
branch, part of present-day downtown. In 1691, a final county subdivision took
place when Lower Norfolk County was split to form Norfolk County (present day
Norfolk, Chesapeake, and parts of Portsmouth) and Princess Anne County (present
day Virginia Beach). Norfolk was incorporated in 1705 and in 1736 was granted a
royal charter by George II as a borough.[3]
By 1775, Norfolk had developed into what many contemporaries of the time argue
was the most prosperous city in Virginia. It was a major shipbuilding center and
an important trans-shipment point for the export of goods such as tobacco, corn,
cotton, and timber from Virginia and North Carolina, to the British Isles and
beyond. In turn, goods from the West Indies such as rum and sugar, and finished
manufactured products from England were imported back through Norfolk to the
rest of the lower colonies. Though widespread slavery in the colony did not
occur until the early 18th century, it should also be noted that by this time
much of the West Indies and American Colonial products that flowed through the
harbor were now being produced with the use of slave labor.
Norfolk had been a strong base of Loyalist support throughout the start of the
American Revolution. After fleeing the colonial capitol of Williamsburg, Lord
Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, tried to reestablish control of the
colony from Norfolk. Dunmore was able to secure small victories at Norfolk
emboldening him to issue Dunmore's Proclamation, which most notably promised
freedom to any slave who joined His Majesty's forces. Dunmore's victory would
prove to be short lived.[4]
Three weeks later, Dunmore's overconfidence proved to be his undoing when his
forces attempted a surprise attack, but were instead decidedly routed at the
Battle of Great Bridge on December 9th, 1775 by the fledlging 2nd Virginia
Regiment. Dunmore was routed, with a 102 casualties to the rebels' one casualty.
The rebels, commanded by Colonel Woodford, forced Dunmore and the remaining
loyalists to flee to Dunmore's ship, Otter, which was anchored in the harbor.
Dunmore's forced exile effectively brought an end to over 168 years of British
colonial rule in Virginia.[4]
Shortly thereafter, on New Year's Day, 1776, Lord Dunmore's fleet of 3 ships
shelled the city of Norfolk for over 8 hours. The damage from the shells and
ensuing fires set by the British destroyed 800 buildings, almost two-thirds of
the city. Only the walls of St. Paul's Episcopal Church survived the bombardment
and subsequent fires with cannonball damage to its southeast corner. [5]
Rebirth, Fire, Disease, and War
Following the recovery from the Revolutionary War burning, the 19th century
began auspiciously enough for Norfolk and her citizens. However, in 1804,
another serious fire along the city’s waterfront destroyed some 300 buildings
and the city experienced a serious economic setback as a result.
During the 1820’s many agrarian communities across the American South
experienced a prolonged recession, resulting in the emigration of many families
from the region to other areas. Notable during this period were the various
attempts Virginia made to either phase out slavery through law (see Thomas
Jefferson Randolph’s 1832 resolution) or through colonization of blacks to
Africa. The largest of these organizations, the American Colonization Society
(ACS), was founded in 1816 to this purpose and many of the subsequent immigrants
from Virginia and North Carolina would later embark from Norfolk. One such
immigrant was Joseph Jenkins Roberts, a native of Norfolk who would go on to
become the first president of Liberia.
In 1845, Norfolk was incorporated as a city and by 1850 the city’s population
was approximately 14,000 persons, including 4,000 slaves and 1,000 free blacks.
In 1851, the Commonwealth authorized the charter of an 80-mile (130 km) railroad
connecting Norfolk and Petersburg, which would be completed in 1858. A Yellow
Fever epidemic broke in 1855 claiming more than 100 lives a day in Norfolk
alone.[6] The city's population would not reach its 1850 census population until
after the Civil War.
In early 1861, Norfolk voters instructed their delegate to vote for ratification
of the ordinance of secession. Soon thereafter, Virginia voted to secede from
the Union.
Not long thereafter, in the spring of 1862, the remains of the USS Merrimac were
rebuilt at Norfolk Navy Yard as an ironclad and renamed as the CSS Virginia.
Hoping to break the Union naval blockade of Virginia, the Battle of Hampton
Roads began on March 8, 1862 off the northwest shore of the city's Sewell's
Point Peninsula damaging many Union warships. On the second day of the battle,
the USS Monitor made it to Union held Fort Monroe across the James River in
Hampton. The battle would ultimately ended in a stalemate however, as neither
ship was able to do significant damage to the other due to the heavy armor
plating. This battle forever changed the course of naval warfare as warships
from then on would be made from metal.[7] Norfolk Mayor William Lamb surrendered
the city to General John E. Wool and Union Forces, and scuttled the Virginia.
For the duration of the Civil War, the city was held under Martial law and many
private and public buildings were confiscated for federal use. [8]
After Reconstruction, African-Americans throughout Hampton Roads were elected to
state and local offices, but would slowly come to face increasing legal
discrimination through the development of Jim Crow Laws in the latter part of
the century.
The following years would bring new milestones to the city including the first
car of bituminous coal arriving from the Pocahontas fields over the Norfolk &
Western Railway in 1883. Tracks were extending to the coal piers at Lambert's
Point creating one of the largest coal transshipment ports in the world. In
1894, classes began in the city's first public high school. The electric street
railway was introduced to Norfolk and would link Norfolk with its neighboring
communities (present day neighborhoods), and the neighboring City of Portsmouth.
1907 brought both the Virginian Railway and the Jamestown Exposition to Sewell's
Point. The large Naval Review at the Exposition demonstrated the peninsula's
favorable location, laying the groundwork for the world's largest naval base.
Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the exposition
brought many prominent people including President Theodore Roosevelt,
congressmen, senators, and diplomats from 21 countries. The area where the
exposition took would become Naval Air Station Hampton Roads, later Naval
Station Norfolk, ten years later in 1917, during the height of World War I.
Norfolk continued to grow in the first half of the twentieth century as it
expanded its borders through annexation. In 1906, the incorporated town of
Berkley was annexed, stretching the city limits across the Elizabeth River. The
town became a borough along with the neighborhoods of Beacon Light and Hardy
Field.
In 1923, the city limits were expanded to include Sewell's Point, Willoughby
Spit, the town of Campostella, and Ocean View, adding the Navy Base and miles of
beach property fronting on Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay. The Norfolk Naval
Base grew rapidly as a result of World War I and this created a housing shortage
in the area. These newly incorporated areas grew rapidly along with the
1906-created Larchmont neighborhood, five miles from downtown.
By 1950, Norfolk was the fifth fastest growing metropolitan area in the United
States. After a smaller annexation in 1959, and a 1988 land swap with Virginia
Beach, the city assumed its current boundaries.
With the dawn of the Interstate Highway System, new highways opened and a series
of bridges and tunnels opening over fifteen years would link Norfolk with the
Peninsula, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. In 1952, the Downtown Tunnel opened
connecting Norfolk with the city of Portsmouth. In 1991, the new Downtown
Tunnel/Berkley Bridge complex was completed, with a new system of multiple lanes
of highway and interchanges connecting Downtown Norfolk and Interstate 464 with
the Downtown Tunnel tubes. Additional bridges and tunnels included the Hampton
Roads Bridge-Tunnel in 1957 [14], the Midtown Tunnel in 1962[15], and the
Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway (Interstate 264 and State Route 44) in 1967.
A City Struggles With Integration
In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the landmark Brown v. Board of
Education case determined that racial segregation in public schools (and public
accommodations) was unconstitutional. However, Virginia, under the leadership of
U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd and the Byrd Organization, pursued a policy to avoid
desegregation which came to be called Massive Resistance. Among the actions were
new state laws which prohibited state funding for integrated public schools,
even as some school districts began to contemplate them. This set the stage for
a conflict, but it was a few years after Brown before the policy was tested.
Norfolk's private schools had been integrated four years before as they chose to
voluntarily comply with the Brown decision. However, a number of public school
divisions (school districts) around the state had been reluctant to do so for
fear of losing state funds. In 1958, Federal District Courts in Virginia ordered
schools in Arlington County, Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Warren County, to
desegregate. In the fall of 1958, a handful of public schools in three of these
widespread areas opened for the first time on a racially integrated basis. In
response, Virginia Governor J. Lindsay Almond Jr. ordered the schools to be
closed, which included six of the Norfolk Public Schools.
In Norfolk, the state action had the community impact of locking ten thousand
children out of school, which raised outcry by the public to a high level. As
some children attended makeshift schools in churches, etc., the citizens voted
whether to reopen the public schools. The ballot made clear that the
Commonwealth of Virginia would stop funding integrated schools. However, on
January 19, 1959, the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals made that issue
irrelevant as declared the state law to in conflict with Virginia's state
constitution. The Court of Appeals ordered all public schools be funded, whether
integrated or not. Governor Almond capitulated about ten days later, asking the
General Assembly, which was in session, to rescind several "Massive Resistance"
laws. [17] In September 1959, Norfolk's public schools were desegregated when 17
black children entered six previously all-white schools in Norfolk.
Virginian-Pilot editor Lenoir Chambers editorialized against massive resistance,
earning the Pulitzer Prize.
Downtown Norfolk's Decline and Rebirth
The advent of newer suburban shopping destinations spelled demise for the
fortunes of downtown's Granby Street commercial corridor, located just a few
blocks inland from the waterfront. The opening of Pembroke Mall in Virginia
Beach, the region's first climate controlled shopping mall, and JANAF Shopping
Center, one of the nation's first large shopping centers in 1959 helped foment
Granby Street's spiral into commercial obsolescence. Beginning in the 1970s,
Norfolk's city leaders began what would be a long push to revive the fortunes of
its urban core. While Granby Street experienced its decline, Norfolk city
leaders were also focused on the waterfront and its collection of decaying piers
and warehouses. Nearly all of the obsolete shipping and warehousing facilities
were demolished. In their place, planners created a new boulevard, Waterside
Drive, creating new parcels on which most of the high rise buildings in
Norfolk's skyline now stand. Waterside created a precedent in which a festival
marketplace concept produced a major catalyst for other redevelopment.
Other facilities opened in the upcoming years, including the Harbor Park
baseball stadium, home of the Norfolk Tides Triple-A minor league baseball team.
Also, despite worries that a new downtown park would not draw fans from the
region's other cities, Harbor Park continually posts one of the best attendance
records in minor league baseball.
Norfolk's efforts to revitalize its downtown have attracted acclaim in economic
development and urban planning circles throughout the country. Publications such
as the American Planning Association's monthly Planning Magazine, have hailed
the tremendous rebound in the downtown residential population, and Money
Magazine proclaimed Norfolk as the number one city in which to live in the South
in 1999. The rising fortunes of the downtown area have helped expand the city's
coffers which has in turn been able to direct its attention to revitalizing
other neighborhoods of the city. Located just northwest of downtown, the Ghent
district of Norfolk is one of the Hampton Roads region's premier urban
residential communities.
Government and Law
Norfolk is an independent city with services that both counties and cities in
Virginia provide such as sheriff, social services, and a court system.
Norfolk city government consists of a city council with representatives from
seven districts serving in a legislative and oversight capacity, as well as a
popularly elected, at-large mayor. The city manager serves as head of the
executive branch. Citizens in each of the six wards elect one council
representative each to serve a four-year term. An additional council member is
elected from a city wide "Superward 7." The city council meets at City Hall
weekly, 7:00 PM on the first and third Tuesdays, and 2:30 PM on the second or
fourth Tuesdays.
As of September, 2007, the Norfolk City Council consists of: Mayor Paul D. Fraim;
Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot, Ward 3; Daun S. Hester, Superward 7; Paul R.
Riddick, Ward 4; Dr. Theresa W. Whibley, Ward 2; Donald L. Williams, Ward 1;
Barclay C. Winn, Ward 6; W. Randy Wright, Ward 5.
Norfolk also has a federal courthouse for the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of Virginia. The Walter E. Hoffman United States Courthouse
in Norfolk has four judges, Judge Rebecca Beach Smith, Raymond A. Jackson,
Jerome B. Friedman, Walter D. Kelley, Jr., two Senior Judges, Robert G. Doumar,
Henry Coke Morgan, Jr., four magistrate judges, and two bankruptcy judges.
Norfolk is located in the Virginia's 2nd congressional district, served by U.S.
Representative Thelma Drake and in the Virginia's 3rd congressional district,
served by U.S. Representative Robert C. Scott.
Economy
Since Norfolk serves as the commercial and cultural center for the somewhat
unique geographical region of Hampton Roads (and in its political structure of
independent cities), it can be difficult to separate the economic
characteristics of Norfolk, from that of the region as a whole. In any case, it
is no surprise that the waterways which almost completely surround the Hampton
Roads region also play an important part in the local economy. As a strategic
location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, its protected deep water channels
serve as major arteries for the import and export of goods from across the
Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, and international destinations, as well as playing host
to the world's largest naval base. Major Companies Headquartered in Norfolk
include Norfolk Southern Ticker: NS, [24] Landmark Communications,[25] Dominion
Enterprises,[26], FHC Health Systems,[27], Portfolio Recovery Associates Ticker:
PRAA,and BlackHawk Products Group.
Military
Hampton Roads is a major military center, particularly for the United States
Navy, and Norfolk serves as the home for the most important of these regional
installations, Naval Station Norfolk. Located on Sewell's Point Peninsula, in
the northwest corner of the city, the installation is the current headquarters
of the Atlantic Fleet, as well as being home port for the 2nd Fleet, which
compromises approximately 62,000 active duty personnel, 75 ships, and 132
aircraft. The base also serves as the headquarters to the Allied Command
Transformation (NATO) and the United States Joint Forces Command.
The region also plays an important role in defense contracting, with particular
emphasis in the shipbuilding and ship repair businesses for the city of Norfolk.
Major private shipyards located in Norfolk include: Northrop Grumman Newport
News, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Metro Machine Corp., and Colonna's
Shipyard Inc.. Most contracts fulfilled by these shipyards are issued by the
Navy, though some private commercial repair also takes place.
When combined with other important regional military installations such as Naval
Air Station Oceana, Norfolk Naval Shipyard (in Portsmouth), Langley Air Force
Base, and Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and along with other important
defense contractors, the military serves as the region's economic backbone and
cultural focal point. In fact, it is estimated that over 35% of Gross Regional
Product (which includes the entire Norfolk-Newport News-Virginia Beach MSA), is
attributable to defense spending, and that 75% of all regional growth since 2001
is attributable to increases in defense spending.
Commercial Ports
After the military, the 2nd largest and most important industry for Hampton
Roads and Norfolk based on economic impact are the region's cargo ports.
Headquartered in Norfolk, the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) is a Commonwealth of
Virginia owned-entity that, in turn, owns and operates three major port
facilities in Hampton Roads for break-bulk and container type cargo. In Norfolk,
Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) represents one of those three facilities
and is home to the world's largest and fastest container cranes.[31] Together,
the 3 terminals of the VPA handled a total of over 2 million TEUs and 475,000
tons of breakbulk cargo in 2006, making it the 2nd* busiest port on the east
coast of North America by total cargo volume after the Port of New York and New
Jersey. In addition, just across the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Maersk is
spending $450 million to open the largest container terminal on the East Coast
sometime in late 2007.
In addition to NIT, Norfolk is home to Lambert's Point Docks, the largest coal
trans-shipment point in the Northern Hemisphere, with annual throughput of
approximately 48 million tons.[33] Bituminous coal is primarily sourced from the
Appalachian mountains in western Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The coal
is loaded onto trains and sent to the port where it is unloaded onto large
breakbulk cargo ships and destined for New England, Europe, and Asia primarily.
Most major shipping lines have a permanent presence in the region with some
combination of sales, distribution, and/or logistical offices, many of which are
located in Norfolk. In addition, many of the largest international shipping
companies have chosen Norfolk as their North American headquarters. These
companies are either located at the Norfolk World Trade Center building or have
constructed buildings in the Lake Wright Executive Center office park. Among
them include:
* CMA CGM - The French firm and world's 3rd largest shipping line has its North
American headquarters in Norfolk.
* Zim Integrated Shipping Services - An Israeli owned shipping line and the 13th
largest in the world, also has its North American headquarters in Norfolk.
* Maersk Line Limited - A subsidiary of the world's largest shipping line, A.P.
Moller-Maersk Group, specializing in US government shipping contracts.
Tourism
Though Virginia Beach and Williamsburg have traditionally been the centers of
tourism for the region, the rebirth of downtown Norfolk and the construction of
a cruise ship pier at the foot of Nauticus in downtown has driven tourism to
become an increasingly important part of the city's economy. The number of
cruise ship passengers who visited Norfolk increased from 50,000 in 2003, to
107,000 in 2004 and 2005. Also in April of 2007, the city completed construction
on a $36 million state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal alongside the pier.[37]
Partly due to this construction, passenger counts dropped to 70,000 in 2006, but
is expected to rebound to 90,000 in 2007, and higher in later years. Unlike most
cruise ship terminals which are located in industrial areas, the downtown
location of Norfolk's terminal has received favorable reviews from both tourists
and the cruise lines who enjoy its proximity to the city's hotels, restaurants,
shopping, and cultural amenities.[38]
Norfolk residents also are able to receive independent stations such as WSKY
broadcasting on channel 4 from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and WGBS
broadcasting on channel 7 from Hampton. Norfolk is served by Cox Cable which
provides LNC 5, a local 24-hour cable news network. DirecTV and Dish Network are
also very popular as an alternative to cable television in Norfolk.
Culture and Contemporary Life
As with most of Virginia (the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C metro area being
the notable exception), Norfolk is most often associated with the larger
American South. However, due to the large presence of the military in the
region, which has brought people to Hampton Roads from across all regions of the
country, some traditions and cultural aspects have changed more so than in other
southern regions. One of the most notable differences is the relative lack of
presence of the Southern accent. While it is not uncommon to hear someone speak
with a Southern accent, especially older persons or persons from other southern
regions, it is heard less frequently in Hampton Roads than some other parts of
the south due, in large part, to the transient military and maritime population.
Still, some elements of the southern dialect and culture have remained firmly in
place, and newcomers often quickly adapt to these cultural differences. For
instance, the expressions y'all as a plural second-person pronoun, 'honey' or 'hon'
as a term of endearment, sweetened ice tea, Southern fried chicken, grits, and
other traditional southern food dishes remain a part of the daily culture.
Norfolk was historically part of the slave-holding South, and was later
segregated along racial lines until the 1960s. This has led to racial tensions
within the highly diversified city that have been slow to heal, and those
tensions still occasionally flare up. As recently as January of 2007,
controversial city councilman Paul Riddick (who is black) accused white city
police of, “...shooting blacks and white cops need to stop shooting black police
officers” - a reference to the death of a black undercover police officer that
was ruled accidental.[42] Nevertheless, racial tensions have been slowly
subsiding overtime as younger generations who have no firsthand recollection of
segregation have reached adulthood and started families of their own.
Norfolk remains the region's cultural heart and in addition to several
outstanding museums, is the principle home for several major performing arts
companies. Norfolk also plays host to numerous yearly festivals and parades,
mostly at Town Pointe Park in downtown.
Museums
The Chrysler Museum of Art, located in the Ghent District, is the region's
foremost art museum and is considered by The New York Times to be the finest in
the entire state.[43] Of particular note is the extensive glass collection and
American neoclassical marble sculptures. Nauticus, located on the downtown
waterfront, is a maritime-themed museum featuring hands-on exhibits, high
definition films, and educational programs designed to increase awareness of the
importance of the world's waterways. It is also noted for being the home to the
battleship USS Wisconsin, the last battleship to be completed in the United
States, and which briefly served in World War II, and later in the Korean and
Gulf wars.[44] The Hermitage Foundation Museum, located in an early 20th century
Tudor style home, on a twelve acre estate fronting the Lafayette River, features
an eclectic collection of Asian and Western art including Chinese bronze and
ceramics, Persian rugs, and ivory carvings. The General Douglas MacArthur
Memorial, located in the former Norfolk city hall rotunda in downtown, contains
the tombs of the late General and his wife, along with personal belongings
(including his famous corncob pipe), and a short film that chronicles the life
of the famous American army general.
Performing Arts
Norfolk has a variety of performing groups with regular performances. The
Virginia Opera, the Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, was
founded in 1974. Its current artistic director is Peter Mark. Though
performances are statewide, the company's principal venue is the Harrison Opera
House in the Ghent District.[46] The Virginia Stage Company, founded in 1968, is
one of the country's leading regional theaters and produces a full season of
plays in the beautiful Wells Theatre downtown. The Company shares facilities
with the Governor's School for the Arts.[47] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra,
founded in 1920, and directed by JoAnn Falleta, has been a regular staple on the
regional fine arts scene. Most performances take place at Chrysler Hall in
downtown. The orchestra also provides musicians for many other performing arts
organizations in the area.[48] Large scale concerts are held at either Norfolk
Scope or the Ted Constant Convocation Center while The Norva provides a more
intimate atmosphere for smaller groups. Norfolk has a number of historic
facilities including the Attucks Theatre, Naro Expanded Cinema, Jeanne and
George Roper PAC(formerly Loew's State Theater), and the Riverview Theatre. The
Free Reign Theatre provides independent theatre.
Festivals and Parades
Town Pointe Park in downtown plays host to a wide variety of annual events from
early spring through late fall. Harborfest, the region's largest annual festival
celebrated its 30th year in 2006, is held during the first weekend of June and
celebrates the region's proximity and attachment to the water. The Parade of
Sail (numerous tall sailing ships from around the world form in line and sail
past downtown before docking at the marina), music concerts, regional food, and
a large fireworks display highlight this 3-day festival.[49] Bayoo Boogaloo and
Cajun Food Festival, a celebration of the Cajun people and culture, had small
beginnings. This 3-day festival during the 3rd week of June has become one of
the largest in the region and, in addition to serving up Cajun cuisine, also
features Cajun music.[49] Norfolk's Fourth of July celebration of American
independence, contains a spectacular fireworks display and a special Navy
reenlistment ceremony.[49] The Norfolk Jazz Festival, though smaller by
comparison to some of the big city jazz festivals, still manages to attract the
country's top jazz performers. It is held in August.[49] The Town Pointe
Virginia Wine Festival has become a showcase for Virginia-produced wines that
has enjoyed increasing success over the years. Virginia's burgeoning wine
industry has become increasingly noted both within the United States and on an
international level and the festival has grown with the industry. Wines can be
sampled and then purchased by the bottle and/or case directly from the winery
kiosks. This event takes place during the 3rd weekend of October.[49] The St.
Patrick's Day annual parade in the city's Ocean View neighborhood, celebrates
Ocean View's rich Irish heritage.
Parks and Public Spaces
Norfolk has a variety of parks and open spaces through its city parks systems.
The city maintains three beaches on its north shore in the Ocean View area. Five
additional parks contain picnic facilities and playgrounds for children. The
city also has some community pools open to city citizens. The Norfolk Botanical
Garden, opened in 1939, is a 155-acre (0.6 km�) botanical garden and arboretum
located near the Norfolk International Airport and is open year round. The
Virginia Zoological Park, opened in 1900, is a 65-acre zoo with hundreds of
animals on display including the critically endangered Siberian Tiger and
threatened White Rhino among others.[53] The City is also known for its
"Mermaids on Parade," which is a public art program launched in 2002 to place
mermaid statues all over the City. Tourists can take a walking tour of downtown
and locate 17 mermaids while others can be found further afield.
Nightlife
Hampton Roads had long been derided for its lack of nightlife (quality clubs,
bars, and lounges in particular) both by locals, and those who came to the
region by way of the military[citation needed]. Over the course of the last
several years, however, the revitalization of downtown Norfolk (and the
established clubs and bars can claim to have contributed to this success) has
helped to significantly improve this aspect of the Hampton Roads cultural scene.
In particular, a large number of clubs, representing a wide range of music
interests and sophistication, now line the lower Granby Street area. Some of the
clubs include the newly opened Club Seven and the Granby Theater, which formerly
hosted plays but now is a restaurant and club. Not far away, the Waterside
Festival Marketplace has also continued to be successful as a nightclub and bar
venue.
From 1970 to 1976, Norfolk served as home court (along with Hampton, Richmond
and Roanoke) for the Virginia Squires regional professional basketball franchise
of the now-defunct American Basketball Association (ABA). From 1970 to 1971, the
Squires played their Norfolk home games at the Old Dominion University
Fieldhouse. In November 1971, the Virginia Squires played their Norfolk home
games at the new Norfolk Scope arena, until the team and the ABA league folded
in May 1976.
In 1971, Norfolk built the region's first entertainment and sports complex,
featuring Chrysler Hall and the 13,800-seat Norfolk Scope indoor arena, located
in the northern section of downtown. Norfolk Scope has served as a host venue
for major events. On January 30, 1974, the city hosted its first professional
basketball all-star game, courtesy of the American Basketball Association, at
the Norfolk Scope. 10,624 spectators were in attendance, as Artis Gilmore won
Most Valuable Player of this professional sports event. On March 29, 1982,
Norfolk hosted the first NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship (also
known as the Women's Final Four). The Norfolk Scope served as the chief venue
for the event. 9,531 spectators were in attendance at this inaugural event. On
April 3, 1983, Norfolk hosted the second NCAA Women's Division I Basketball
Championship at the Norfolk Scope. 7,837 spectators were in attendance.
Education
Elementary, secondary
Norfolk City Public Schools, the public school system, comprises 5 high schools,
8 middle schools, 34 elementary schools, and 9 special-purpose/preschools. In
2005, Norfolk Public Schools won the $1 million Broad Prize for Urban Education
award for having demonstrated, "the greatest overall performance and improvement
in student achievement while reducing achievement gaps for poor and minority
students".[60] The city had previously been nominated in 2003 and 2004.
There are also a number of private schools located in the city, the oldest of
which, Norfolk Academy, was founded in 1728.
Post Secondary
Norfolk is home to three public universities and one private. It also hosts a
community college campus in downtown. Old Dominion University, founded as a
branch of The College of William and Mary in 1930, became an independent
institution in 1962 and now offers degrees in 68 undergraduate and 95 (60
masters/35 doctoral) graduate degree programs. Eastern Virginia Medical School,
founded as a community medical school by the surrounding jurisdictions in 1973,
is noted for its research into reproductive medicine and is located in the
region's major medical complex in the Ghent District. Norfolk State University
has the distinction of being the country's fifth largest majority black
university, and offers degrees in a wide variety of liberal arts. Virginia
Wesleyan College is a small private liberal arts college, and shares its eastern
border with the neighboring city of Virginia Beach. Tidewater Community College
offers two-year degrees and specialized training programs, and is located in
downtown.
Medicine
Because of the prominence of the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and V.A. Hospital in
Hampton, Norfolk has had a strong role in medicine. Norfolk is served by Sentara
Norfolk General Hospital, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Bon Secours DePaul Medical
Center, and the Lake Taylor Hospital. The City is also home to the Children's
Hospital for the King's Daughters.
It is known for its specialists in diabetes, dermatology, and obstetrics. It
achieved international fame on March 1, 1980, when Drs. Georgianna and Howard
Jones opened the first in vitro fertilization clinic in the U.S. at EVMS. The
country's first in vitro test-tube baby was born there in December of 1981.
The international headquarters of Operation Smile, a nonprofit organization that
specializes in repairing facial deformities in underprivileged children from
around the globe is based in the city.
Geography and Climate
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 249.4
km� (96.3 mi�). 139.2 km� (53.7 mi�) of it is land and 110.3 km� (42.6 mi�) of
it (44.22%) is water. Norfolk is located at [show location on an interactive
map] 37�54′36″N, 76�12′25″W (36.885747� N, 76.2599� W)
Norfolk has a humid subtropical climate with moderate changes of seasons. Spring
arrives in March with mild days and cool nights, and by late May, the
temperature has warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days. Summer
temperatures can be unpleasantly hot, often topping 90� Fahrenheit with high
humidity. On average, July is the warmest month of the year, with the maximum
average precipitation. Days stay warm to mild until October, and fall is marked
by nights once again becoming cooler. Winter is usually mild in Norfolk, with
the coldest days featuring lows in the mid-upper 30s and highs in the upper 40s
to low 50s. On average, the coolest month of the year is January. Norfolk's
record high was 105� Fahrenheit on August 7, 1918, and record low was -3�
Fahrenheit recorded in January 21, 1985.[64] Snow falls every winter, averaging
12 inches per season.[65]
The city is located at the southeastern corner of the tidewater region of
Virginia (also known as Hampton Roads), at the junction of the Elizabeth and
James Rivers, bordering the Chesapeake Bay. The Hampton Roads Metropolitan
Statistical Area (officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News,
VA-NC MSA) is the 34th largest in the United States, with a total population of
1,576,370. The area includes the Virginia cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach
Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Williamsburg,
and the counties of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Mathews, Surry, and
York, as well as the North Carolina county of Currituck. The city of Norfolk is
recognized as the central business district, while the Virginia Beach oceanside
resort district and Williamsburg are primarily centers of tourism. Virginia
Beach is the most populated city within the MSA though it currently functions
more as a suburb.
The City of Norfolk owns nine reservoirs: Lake Whitehurst, Little Creek
Reservoir, Lake Lawson, Lake Smith, Lake Wright, Lake Burnt Mills, Western
Branch Reservoir, Lake Prince and Lake Taylor. [66] The Virginia tidewater area
has grown faster than the local freshwater supply. The river water has always
been salty, and the fresh groundwater is no longer available in most areas.
Currently, water for the tidewater area is pumped from Lake Gaston, which
straddles the Virginia-North Carolina borderm along with the Blackwater and
Nottoway rivers. The pipeline is 76 miles long and 60 inches in diameter. Much
of its follows the former right-of-way of an abandoned portion of the Virginian
Railway. It is capable of pumping 60 million gallons of water per day(60MGD),
Virginia Beach and Chesapeake are partners in the project.
In addition to extensive riverfront property, Norfolk has miles of bayfront
resort property and beaches in the Willoughby Spit and Ocean View communities.
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 234,403 people, 86,210 households, and
51,898 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,684.4/km�
(4,362.8/mi�). There were 94,416 housing units at an average density of
678.5/km� (1,757.3/mi�). The racial makeup of the city was 48.36% White, 44.11%
African American, 0.46% Native American, 2.81% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander,
1.67% from other races, and 2.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of
any race were 3.80% of the population.
There were 86,210 households out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18
living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 18.8% had a female
householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 30.2% of all
households were made up of individuals and 9.6% had someone living alone who was
65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average
family size was 3.07.
The age distribution is 24.0% under the age of 18, 18.2% from 18 to 24, 29.9%
from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older.
The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 104.6 males. For
every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,815, and the median income
for a family was $36,891. Males had a median income of $25,848 versus $21,907
for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,372. About 15.5% of
families and 19.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including
27.9% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.
Norfolk has the second largest population of Naval retirees in the U.S. after
San Diego. Historically, Norfolk reached its peak United States Census Bureau
population count at 307,951 in April 1970.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Norfolk is linked with its neighbors through an extensive network of arterial
and Interstate highways, bridges, tunnels, and bridge-tunnel complexes. The
major east-west routes are Interstate 64, U.S. Route 58 (Virginia Beach
Boulevard) and U.S. Route 60 (Ocean View Avenue). The major north-south routes
are U.S. Route 13 and U.S. Route 460, also known as Granby Street. Other main
roadways in Norfolk include Newtown Road, Waterside Drive, Tidewater Drive, and
Military Highway. The Hampton Roads Beltway (I-64 and its spurs I-264, I-464,
and I-664) makes a loop around Norfolk.
Norfolk is primarily served by the Norfolk International Airport (IATA: ORF,
ICAO: KORF, FAA LID: ORF), now the region's major commercial airport. The
airport is located near Chesapeake Bay, along the city limits straddling
neighboring Virginia Beach. Seven airlines provide nonstop services to twenty
five destinations. ORF had 3,703,664 passengers take off or land at its facility
and 68,778,934 pounds of cargo were processed through its facilities. Newport
News/Williamsburg International Airport also provides commercial air service for
the Hampton Roads area. The Chesapeake Regional Airport provides general
aviation services and is located five miles outside the city limits.
Norfolk is served by Amtrak through the Newport News station, via connecting
buses. The line runs west along the Virginia Peninsula to Richmond and points
beyond. A high speed rail connection at Richmond to both the Northeast Corridor
and the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor are also under study.
Greyhound provides service from a central bus terminal in downtown Norfolk. Bus
services to New York City via the Chinatown bus, Today's Bus, is located on
Newtown road.
The city recently completed construction (April 2007) of the new $36M 'Half
Moone Cruise Terminal' in downtown adjacent to the Nauticus Museum, providing a
state-of-the-art permanent structure for various cruise lines and passengers
wishing to embark from Norfolk. Previously, makeshift structures were used to
embark/disembark passengers, supplies, and crew.
Local Transit
A transit bus system and paratransit service are provided by Hampton Roads
Transit (HRT), a regional public transport system headquartered in Hampton. HRT
buses operate throughout Norfolk and South Hampton Roads and onto the Peninsula
all the way up to Williamsburg. Other routes travel to Smithfield, Virginia. HRT
offers a free ferry service from downtown Norfolk to Old Town Portsmouth.
Additional services include an HOV express bus to the Norfolk Naval Base,
paratransit services, park-and-ride lots, and the Norfolk Electric Trolley,
which provides service in the downtown area. [78] A light rail service has
recently received final approval with construction expected to begin in late
2007 with operations beginning in 2010.[79] The light rail will be called The
Tide and will have a starter route running along the southern portion of
Norfolk, commencing at Newtown Road and passing through stations serving areas
such as Norfolk State University and Harbor Park before going through the heart
of downtown Norfolk and terminating at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
Utilities
Water and sewer services are provided by the City's Department of Utilities.
Norfolk's water quality has been recognized as the fourth best in the United
States by Men's Health Magazine. Privately owned utility companies serving
Norfolk are Dominion Virginia Power (electricity), Virginia Natural Gas (natural
gas), Verizon (landline telephone service), and Cox Communications (cable
television).
Cityscape
Architecture
When Norfolk was first settled, homes were made of wood and frame construct
iron, similar to most medieval English style homes. These homes had wide
chimneys and thatch roofs. After the town was first laid out in 1682, Georgian
architecture began to emerge as it gained popularity in The South, as it had a
more aristocratic feel and was built of brick laid and Flemish bond. This style
would evolve to include projecting center pavilions, Palladian windows,
balustraded roof decks, and two-story porticoes. By 1740, homes, warehouses,
stores, workshops, and taverns began to dot Norfolk's streets.
Norfolk was burnt down during the Revolutionary War. After the American
revolution, Norfolk was rebuilt using homes with federal style architecture
which was based on Roman ideals. Federal style homes kept the Georgian style
symmetry, though had more refined decorations to look more like new world homes.
Federal homes had features such as narrow sidelights with an embracing fanlight
around the doorway, giant porticoes, gable or flat roofs, and projecting bays on
exterior walls. Rooms are oval, elliptical or octagonal. Few of these federal
row houses remain standing today. Still, a majority of buildings were made of
wood and had simple construction.
In the early 1800s, Greek architectural elements began to appear in the federal
style row homes, such as iconic columns in the porticoes and classic motifs over
doorways and windows. Many old federal style row houses were modernized by
placing a Greek style porch to the front. Greek and Roman elements were
integrated into public buildings such as the old City Hall, the old Norfolk
Academy, and the Customs House. Greek style homes gave way to a Gothic revival
in the 1830s, which had emphasis on pointed arches, steep gable roofs, towers
and tracer led windows. The Freemason Baptist Church and St. Mary's Catholic
Church are examples of this Gothic revival. Italianate elements emerged in the
1840s including cupolas, verandas, ornamental brickwork, or corner quoins.
Norfolk still had simple wooden structures amongst its more ornate
buildings.[84] High rise buildings began to emerge in the late 1800s as
structures such as the current Commodore Maury Hotel and the Royster Building
emerged to form the initial Norfolk skyline. Revivals of past styles took place
over the first years of the 20th Century. Bungalows and apartment buildings
became popular for individuals living in the City. As the Great Depression wore
on, Art Deco emerged as a popular building style, as evidenced by the Post
Office building downtown. Art Deco consisted of streamlined concrete faced
appearance with smooth stone or metal, with terra cotta, and trimming consisting
of glass and colored tiles.
Neighborhoods
Norfolk has a variety of historic neighborhoods, some with a unique style to the
City. Some neighborhoods, such as Berkley of which were formerly cities and
towns themselves. Others, such as Willoughby Spit and Ocean View have a long
history tied to the Chesapeake Bay. Today, neighborhoods such as Downtown and
Ghent have transformed with the revitalization that the city has undergone.