norfolk virginia norfolk local independent city united_states census population population estimated making second populous city virginia neighboring norfolk located core metropolitan area named large natural harbor located mouth chesapeake_bay cities seven counties constitute metro area officially known city bordered west north chesapeake_bay shares land borders independent cities south east oldest cities norfolk considered historic urban financial cultural center region city long history strategic military transportation point largest navy base world naval station norfolk located norfolk nato headquarters city corporate headquarters north_america principal class railroads manages world largest fleet flag vessels city bordered multiple bodies water norfolk miles property including beaches chesapeake_bay linked neighbors extensive network interstate highways bridges tunnels bridge tunnel complexes bridge tunnels united_states history colonial years governor virginia colony sir incorporated jurisdictions termed developed portion colony formed basis colonial representative government newly norfolk incorporation king charles reorganized colony system people settle colony immigrated virginia king norfolk england granted large land holding system portion separated suggested birthplace newly formed year later split counties incorporated present day city norfolk chiefly recommendation area virginia known place including men london norfolk developed late 17th century half fort constructed acres acquired local natives exchange pounds tobacco established lower norfolk county final county subdivision took place split form included present day cities norfolk parts portsmouth princess present day city norfolk incorporated tobacco inspection site located according tobacco inspection act inspection fort land landing princess anne inspection granted royal charter borough norfolk developed contemporary observers argued prosperous city virginia important port goods british isles merchants numerous trading ties parts british_empire norfolk served strong base loyalist support early american revolution fleeing colonial capitol lord royal governor virginia tried control colony norfolk secured small victories norfolk forced exile american rebels commanded colonel departure brought end years british colonial rule virginia new year day lord fleet ships shelled city norfolk hours damage shells fires started british spread patriots destroyed buildings thirds city patriots destroyed remaining buildings strategic reasons february walls survived bombardment subsequent fires bombardment fired liverpool remains wall nineteenth century following recovery revolutionary war burning norfolk citizens struggled rebuild fire city waterfront destroyed buildings city suffered economic setback 1820s communities american south suffered prolonged recession caused families migrate areas moved west kentucky tennessee migration followed exhaustion soil tobacco cultivation primary crop generations virginia attempts phase slavery increased decades war gained passage resolution gradual abolition state time increased demand development created large internal market slavery invention cotton late 18th century enabled profitable cultivation short staple cotton widely proposed free blacks freed slaves africa establishing new colony paying transportation african americans wanted stay birthplace united_states achieve freedom rights period virginia north_carolina embarked port norfolk free person color native norfolk emigrated later elected president establishing powerful family june vessel repairs sailed west_indies outbreak yellow fever port health officer ordered ship days second inspection found issues allowed dock days later cases yellow fever discovered norfolk died disease july august people dying day city population fled hopes escaping epidemic understood disease transmitted norfolk portsmouth infected new_york banned traffic sites neighboring cities banned residents norfolk epidemic spread city poor affecting family causing widespread panic number infected reached september second week died norfolk portsmouth weather cooled outbreak began leaving final tally dead took city time recover early norfolk voters instructed delegate vote virginia voted union spring took place northwest shore city marking fight ironclads uss monitor virginia battle ended stalemate changed course naval warfare warships fortified metal norfolk mayor surrendered city union general forces held city martial law duration civil war thousands slaves region escaped union lines gain freedom quickly set schools norfolk start learning read write years end war 20th century present brought large naval review exposition demonstrated peninsula favorable location laid world largest naval base southern democrats congress gained location commemorating anniversary founding exposition featured prominent officials including president members congress diplomats countries built enter world war constructed exposition grounds half 20th century city norfolk expanded borders annexation city annexed incorporated town making city cross city expanded include town area city included navy base miles beach property chesapeake_bay smaller annexation land swap city assumed current boundaries dawn following world war new highways constructed region series bridges tunnels constructed years linked norfolk peninsula portsmouth opened connect norfolk city portsmouth highways stimulated development new housing suburbs leading population spreading additional bridges tunnels included norfolk expressway interstate state route new complex opened new system multiple lanes highway interchanges connecting downtown norfolk interstate tubes supreme_court ruled brown segregated public schools unconstitutional public system supported ordered integration virginia pursued policy massive resistance time black citizens state turn century constitution practices related voter registration elections prohibited state funding integrated public schools united_states district courts virginia ordered schools open time racially integrated basis response governor ordered schools closed declared state law conflict state constitution ordered public schools funded integrated days later asked general_assembly massive resistance laws september black children entered previously segregated norfolk public schools editor massive resistance earned pulitzer prize new suburban developments white middle class residents moved city new highway routes norfolk population fell pattern repeated numerous cities postwar era independently segregation issues late 1960s early 1970s advent newer suburban shopping destinations freeways spelled demise fortunes downtown street commercial corridor located blocks inland waterfront opening large shopping centers drew retail business street norfolk city leaders began long push revive urban core underwent decline norfolk city leaders focused waterfront collection decaying piers warehouses obsolete shipping facilities demolished place planners created new boulevard drive high rise buildings norfolk skyline erected city developed festival marketplace attract people waterfront downtown redevelopment facilities opened ensuing years including baseball stadium home minor league baseball team park named finest facility minor league baseball norfolk efforts downtown attracted acclaim economic development urban planning circles country downtown rising fortunes helped expand city revenues allowed city direct attention neighborhoods geography according city total area square miles km2 square miles km2 land square miles km2 water norfolk located city located southeastern corner virginia junction chesapeake_bay officially known 37th largest united_states estimated population area includes virginia cities norfolk portsmouth suffolk counties gloucester isle york north_carolina counties gates city norfolk recognized central business district resort district primarily centers tourism populated city functions suburb additionally norfolk norfolk includes north_carolina statistical area 32nd largest nation estimated population addition extensive property norfolk miles resort property beaches spit ocean view communities low lying largely surrounded water norfolk particularly vulnerable rising sea levels addition land built slowly areas flood regularly high tide city commissioned study investigate address issue future reported cost dealing sea level rise foot billion dollars scientists estimated current trends hold sea norfolk rise feet end century norfolk settled homes wood frame construction similar medieval english style homes homes wide chimneys roofs decades town laid georgian architectural style popular south time brick considered substantial construction patterns brick laid flemish bond style evolved include projecting center windows roof decks story homes warehouses stores workshops began dot norfolk streets norfolk burned revolutionary war revolution norfolk rebuilt federal style based roman ideals federal style homes kept georgian symmetry refined decorations look like homes federal homes features narrow embracing doorway giant flat roofs projecting bays exterior walls rooms oval elliptical octagonal federal remain standing today majority buildings wood simple construction early 19th century architectural elements began appear federal style row homes iconic columns classic motifs windows federal style row houses modernized placing greek style porch greek roman elements integrated public buildings old city hall old greek style homes gave way gothic revival 1830s emphasized pointed arches steep roofs towers lead windows examples elements emerged 1840s including ornamental corner norfolk simple wooden structures ornate buildings high rise buildings built late 19th century structures current building constructed form initial norfolk skyline past styles revived early years 20th century apartment buildings popular living city great depression wore emerged popular building style evidenced building downtown consisted streamlined concrete faced appearance smooth stone metal consisting glass colored tiles neighborhoods norfolk variety historic neighborhoods neighborhoods cities towns ocean view long history tied chesapeake_bay today neighborhoods downtown transformed city undergone climate norfolk humid subtropical climate moderate changes seasons spring arrives march mild days cool nights late temperature warmed considerably herald warm summer days summers consistently warm humid nearby atlantic_ocean exercises slight cooling effect daytime high temperatures slight warming effect nighttime low temperatures compared areas farther inland norfolk occasional days temperatures rare occur occasion average july month august year month frequent summer thunderstorm activity combined rising frequency august tropical activity hurricanes tropical storms bring high winds heavy rains usually brush norfolk occasionally area highest risk period mid august end september fall marked mild warm days cooler nights winter usually mild norfolk average winter days featuring lows near slightly freezing highs upper mid 50s average month year january norfolk record high august july record low recorded january snow occurs sporadically average annual accumulation inches demographics census people households families residing city population density people square mile km2 housing units average density square mile km2 racial makeup city white african american native american asian pacific races races race population population households children age living married couples living female husband present non families households individuals living years age older average household size average family size age distribution age years age older median age years females males females age males large gender military presence city notably naval station norfolk median income household city median income family males median income versus females capita income city families population poverty line including age age year norfolk total crime index residents national average year city experienced murder rate residents total crime decreased compared year city total crime index highest murder rate norfolk experienced 21st century rate residents year norfolk experienced murders assaults automobile according city crime rankings crime metropolitan america norfolk virginia ranked dangerous city larger inhabitants economy norfolk serves commercial cultural center unusual geographical region political structure independent cities difficult separate economic characteristics norfolk region waterways completely surround region play important local economy strategic location mouth chesapeake_bay protected deep water channels serve major trade import export goods mid-atlantic internationally addition commercial activities major military center particularly united_states_navy norfolk serves home naval station norfolk world largest naval installation located northwest corner city station headquarters known active duty personnel ships aircraft base serves headquarters nato region plays important role defense contracting particular emphasis ship repair businesses city norfolk major private shipyards located norfolk area include norfolk shipyard inc navy portsmouth contracts fulfilled shipyards issued navy private commercial repair takes place gross regional product includes entire defense spending regional growth increases defense spending military second largest important industry norfolk based economic impact region cargo ports headquartered norfolk commonwealth virginia owned entity turn owns operates major port facilities break bulk container type cargo norfolk represents facilities home world largest fastest container cranes handled total million tons cargo making second busiest port east coast north_america total cargo volume port new york new_jersey addition norfolk home point docks largest coal trans shipment point annual approximately million tons coal primarily sourced mountains western virginia west_virginia kentucky coal loaded trains sent port large cargo ships destined new_england europe asia operated manufacturing plant located produced model station wagons building pick trucks closed plant employed people square foot facility major shipping lines permanent presence region combination sales distribution logistical offices located norfolk addition largest international shipping companies chosen norfolk north american headquarters companies located building constructed buildings lake wright executive center office park french firm israeli firm subsidiary world largest shipping line north american headquarters norfolk major companies headquartered norfolk include parent company traditionally centers tourism region rebirth downtown norfolk construction cruise ship pier foot downtown driven tourism increasingly important city economy number cruise ship passengers visited norfolk increased april city completed construction million state art cruise ship terminal alongside pier partly construction passenger counts dropped expected rebound higher later years unlike cruise ship located industrial areas downtown location norfolk terminal received favorable reviews tourists cruise lines enjoy proximity city hotels restaurants shopping cultural amenities home fortune companies representing food industry transportation retail companies located norfolk employers according report published employers norfolk arts culture norfolk cultural heart region addition museums norfolk principal home major performing arts companies norfolk plays host numerous yearly festivals town point park downtown located district region foremost art museum considered new_york_times finest state particular note extensive glass collection moses house american marble sculptures museum main building undergoing expansion renovation expected reopen april renovation remain open art displayed venues community opened downtown waterfront features hands exhibits interactive theaters digital high definition films extensive variety educational programs home battleship uss wisconsin battleship built united_states served briefly world war later korean gulf wars memorial located 19th century norfolk court house city hall downtown contains tombs late general wife museum vast research library personal belongings including famous pipe short film chronicles life famous general army people world largest animal rights organization based norfolk located early 20th century tudor style home acre estate features eclectic collection asian western art including chinese bronze persian ivory carvings norfolk variety performing groups regular seasons founded norfolk artistic director inception conducted 100th opera production performances staged statewide company principal venue district founded country leading regional theaters produces season plays downtown company shares facilities founded directed regular staple regional fine arts scene norfolk performances place hall scope complex downtown orchestra provides musicians performing arts organizations area large scale concerts held arena provides intimate atmosphere smaller groups norfolk cultural venues include george performing arts expanded cinema downtown norfolk helped improve cultural scene particular large number clubs representing wide range music interests line lower area norfolk celebrates rich ethnic diversity population sights sounds attractions special events pay tribute city long heritage sports norfolk serves home highest level professional franchises state virginia plays triple baseball international_league play ice hockey norfolk universities division sports teams old dominion monarchs provide sports including football basketball baseball norfolk served home court richmond regional professional basketball franchise defunct played norfolk home games november virginia played norfolk home games new arena team league folded norfolk built entertainment sports complex featuring seat indoor arena located northern section downtown served venue major events including second known norfolk home parks recreation town point park downtown plays host wide variety annual events early spring late fall region largest annual festival celebrated 30th year held weekend june celebrates region proximity attachment water parade sail numerous tall sailing ships world form line sail past downtown docking marina music concerts regional food large fireworks display highlight day festival celebration people culture small beginnings day festival week june largest region addition serving cuisine features music norfolk fourth july celebration american independence contains spectacular fireworks display special navy ceremony norfolk jazz festival smaller comparison big city jazz festivals manages attract country jazz performers held august showcase virginia produced enjoyed increasing success years virginia burgeoning wine industry noted united_states international level festival grown industry sampled purchased bottle case directly event takes place weekend october spring wine festival held second weekend nearby museum ship uss wisconsin wisconsin square day annual parade city ocean view neighborhood celebrates rich irish heritage norfolk variety parks open spaces city parks system city maintains beaches north shore area additional parks contain picnic facilities children city community pools open city citizens opened acre km2 botanical garden located near norfolk international airport open year round opened acre zoo hundreds animals display including critically endangered tiger threatened white city known parade public art program launched place statues city tourists walking tour downtown locate found government norfolk independent city services counties cities virginia provide sheriff social services court system norfolk operates council manager form government norfolk city government consists city council representatives seven districts serving legislative oversight capacity popularly elected large mayor city manager serves head executive branch city departments executing policies adopted council citizens elect council representative serve year term additional council members elected city wide city council meets city hall weekly consists mayor ward vice mayor ward ward ward ward city government infrastructure create close working relationships citizens norfolk city government provides services neighborhoods including service centers civic leagues interact directly members city_council services include preserving area histories home rehabilitation centers outreach programs university trains citizens neighborhood clean event planning neighborhood leadership financial planning norfolk police department provides support neighborhood watch programs including citizens training academy security design police athletic program youth business watch programs norfolk federal courthouse virginia norfolk judges magistrate judges bankruptcy judges additionally norfolk general district circuit courts downtown norfolk located virginia 2nd congressional district served representative republican virginia 3rd congressional district served representative democrat education public school system comprises high schools middle schools elementary schools special purpose won million broad prize urban education award having demonstrated greatest overall performance improvement student achievement reducing achievement gaps poor minority students city previously nominated number private schools located city oldest founded religious schools located city include christ norfolk city hosts holds performances classes norfolk home public universities private hosts community college campus downtown old founded mary independent institution offers degrees undergraduate masters doctoral graduate degree programs founded community medical school surrounding jurisdictions noted research reproductive medicine located region major medical complex district founded largest virginia offers degrees wide variety liberal arts nursing engineering small private liberal arts college shares eastern border neighboring city offers year degrees specialized training programs located downtown additionally profit schools operate city virginia public library consists main library anchor library branch libraries library local history room contains government documents dating 19th century libraries offer services computer classes book reviews tax forms online book clubs media norfolk daily newspaper alternative papers include defunct online serves regional business community local business news local universities publish newspapers crown serves monthly regional magazine norfolk area serves online magazine norfolk area norfolk served variety radio stations towers located area cater different interests including news talk radio sports eclectic mix musical interests norfolk served television stations designated market area 42nd largest homes total major network television cbs nbc abc fox station norfolk residents receive independent stations broadcasting channel broadcasting channel major motion pictures filmed norfolk including filmed ocean view amusement park mission impossible iii partially filmed bay bridge tunnel controversy moved property communications engineering firm businesses residential properties eminent domain turn land response hung square foot banner reading years street years norfolk workers threatened eminent domain city cited sign code infringement ordered banner removed held city attempt business properties illegal ruled favor city sign removal january affirmed district court ruling april asked hear case amendment free speech issue infrastructure transportation norfolk linked neighbors extensive network arterial interstate highways bridges tunnels bridge tunnel complexes major east west routes interstate route ocean view avenue major north south routes known street main roadways norfolk include drive military highway makes loop norfolk norfolk primarily served lid region major commercial airport airport located near chesapeake_bay city limits neighboring seven provide nonstop services destinations passengers land facility pounds cargo processed facilities provides commercial air service area airport region direct international flights february provides general aviation services located miles outside city limits norfolk served amtrak service norfolk station located downtown norfolk adjacent stadium line runs west paralleling route corridor richmond high speed rail connection richmond northeast corridor southeast high speed rail corridor study provides service central bus terminal downtown norfolk april construction new million half completed downtown adjacent providing state art permanent structure cruise lines passengers wishing embark norfolk previously makeshift structures embark passengers supplies crew passes norfolk norfolk extensive frontage port facilities portions western light rail bus ferry services provided regional public transport system headquartered buses operate norfolk peninsula way routes travel ferry service connects downtown norfolk old town portsmouth additional services include express bus norfolk naval base services park ride lots provides service downtown area tide light rail service began operations august light rail starter route running southern portion norfolk commencing road passing stations serving areas going heart downtown norfolk terminating norfolk general hospital white norfolk norfolk utilities water sewer services provided city norfolk receives electricity local sources including gas power plant coal fired plants norfolk headquartered subsidiary natural gas city storage plants norfolk water quality recognized water systems united_states ranked fourth best united_states city norfolk tremendous capacity clean fresh water city owns lake burnt mills lake taylor virginia area grown faster local freshwater supply river water fresh longer available areas currently water cities pumped virginia north_carolina border reservoir system diverted city treatment city portion water treated water treatment plant pipeline miles long inches diameter follows right way abandoned portion railway capable pumping million gallons water day partners project city provides services residents transports regional treatment plants healthcare prominence naval medical center portsmouth norfolk strong role medicine norfolk served city home norfolk home known specialists diabetes achieved international fame march opened clinic country test tube baby born december international headquarters operation smile nonprofit organization repairing facial children globe located city physicians peace non profit focuses providing training education medical professionals developing world based norfolk notable people sister cities norfolk sister cities
Norfolk, Virginia