Norfolk is the second-largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Norfolk is one of nine cities which make-up Hampton Roads municipality. The Elizabeth River on the West and the Chesapeake Bay on the North encircle Norfolk. It is also bordered on the South by the city of Chesapeake and on the east by Virginia Beach. Norfolk is home to the world's biggest military coalition and home of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization defense headquarters. Norfolk offers a vast number of water front properties because of the extreme amount of water encircling the area. Norfolk affords a broad arrangement of Interstate Highways, Bridges and Tunnels to connect it with its neighbors.
In the late 1600's Norfolk experienced a growth boom when the "Half Moone Fort" was built. In 1680, The House of Burgesses recognized the Towne of Lower Norfolk County, which was subdivided in 1691 becoming Norfolk County and Princess Anne County. In 1705, Norfolk became incorporated. Norfolk became a significant port for exporting merchandise to the British Isles and other destinations.
In 1776, Lord Dunmore shelled the city with a fleet of three ships for an excess of eight hours, destroying about two thirds of the city. Partisans strategically destroyed any building that remained. The only walls that were still standing were those of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church where a cannonball remains inside the wall of the church. The city received another substantial financial setback when three hundred buildings were destroyed along the waterfront by a devastating fire.
Things looked up for Norfolk as it expanded its holdings due to annexation. In 1906 Berkley was annexed with Norfolk followed by Sewell's Point, Willoughby spit and Campostella and the Ocean View area in 1923. The Navy base along with miles of coastline property facing Hampton roads and the Chesapeake Bay were included in the 1923 annexation. In 1959, Norfolk accomplished another small annexation with Virginia Beach resulting in its present borders.
Because of its proximity to Chesapeake Bay, the many museums and tourist attractions there are unlimited things to do in the area making this a wonderful place to visit for a day or for a lifetime.
