History of Norfolk

Norfolk History Overview

With a history as diverse as the waters that embrace its shores, Norfolk, Virginia, has played a pivotal role in shaping the American narrative. Established in 1682, the city's roots trace back to its early days as a bustling colonial port, facilitating trade and connection between the New World and the Old.

Throughout the centuries, Norfolk has weathered the winds of change, standing witness to the American Revolution, the Civil War, and two World Wars. Its strategic location has rendered it a vital naval and military hub, with the world-renowned Naval Station Norfolk anchoring its maritime significance.

The city's cultural tapestry is interwoven with stories of resilience and progress. Once a thriving center of African American commerce and culture, Norfolk's "Theatre District" boasted a vibrant community that produced jazz legends like Billy Taylor. Today, the city continues to honor its heritage through institutions like the Attucks Theatre and festivals that celebrate diversity.

From the cobblestone streets of Ghent to the modern skyline, Norfolk's evolution is evident in its architectural fusion, mirroring its ever-changing identity. As a cultural melting pot with deep-rooted traditions, Norfolk embraces its history as a compass guiding it towards a future defined by innovation, community, and a connection to the sea that has shaped its soul.

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Pre-Colonial Norfolk

The tapestry of human habitation in Virginia unfolds with the first traces dating back to 9,500 BC, marking the earliest connections between people and this fertile land. In 1584, the trailblazing spirit of Sir Walter Raleigh led an expedition, driven by the desire to forge a lasting English presence in North America. Roanoke Island, now nestled within Dare County, bore witness to Raleigh's ambitions. Arthur Barlowe, a stalwart of Raleigh's mission, meticulously chronicled the journey, revealing a landscape inhabited by the Chesepian tribe, Native Americans deeply woven into the fabric of the land.

Barlowe's accounts painted a vivid picture, with the Chesepians revealing a grandeur city named Skicoak as the pinnacle of their civilization. Yet, the veil of time has cast a shadow over the exact location of Skicoak, leaving its legacy shrouded in mystery.

When the Jamestown settlers set foot on Cape Henry in 1607, nearly two decades after Raleigh's voyage, the echoes of Skicoak had faded into obscurity. William Strachey's chronicle, "The Historie of Travaile into Virginia Britanica" (1612), unfolds a sorrowful chapter—the once-vibrant Chesepian people, including their storied city, had been erased from the canvas, their legacy a testament to the dynamism and challenge of the region's history.

Colonial Norfolk

 In the year 1607, Sir George Yeardley, the Governor of the Virginia Colony, initiated a transformative chapter by establishing four incorporations known as "citties" [sic]. These entities would serve as the bedrock of the colony's governance within the newly instituted House of Burgesses. Among these was the Elizabeth Cittie [sic], encompassing the southeastern expanse of the Hampton Roads region. Roanoke Island's legacy intertwined with English exploration, leading to its discovery by Sir Walter Raleigh's expedition in search of a new English settlement.

Amid the chronicles of history, Adam Thoroughgood, a young soul from King's Lynn, England, set foot in the evolving South Hampton Roads area in 1622, leaving an indelible mark as one of the earliest English settlers. Emerging from the chrysalis of indentured servitude, Thoroughgood's emergence epitomized the spirit of the fledgling colony, evolving into a prominent community figure.



As the tides of time surged, the once-flourishing Chesepian tribe and the elusive Skicoak receded into the past. Jamestown's struggles culminated in the demise of the Virginia Company's reign, transforming the colony into a crown territory in 1624. Thomas Willoughby received a royal grant of land, igniting the foundation of the Ocean View district.

In 1629, Thoroughgood's voice echoed in the House of Burgesses, while 1634 saw the transformation of the colony into eight shires, with Elizabeth City Shire enveloping much of Hampton Roads. Thoroughgood's legacy expanded with land along the Lynnhaven River, while his suggestion to honor his birthplace birthed the name "Norfolk." In 1637, New Norfolk County arose, soon giving birth to the modern city of Norfolk.

Rolleston Hall, a testament to English migration, took root along the Eastern Branch Elizabeth River, reflecting history's passage. The decree of 1670 heralded Norfolk's rise as a port city, fueled by natural deepwater channels. Despite fears, the "Half Moone" fort stood resiliently at Town Pointe Park.

By 1682, a parliamentary charter birthed the "Towne of Lower Norfolk County," solidifying Norfolk's significance. The city flourished, earning a royal charter alongside Jamestown and Williamsburg. Royal mace in hand, Norfolk embraced the 18th century as a burgeoning shipbuilding hub and a gateway for transatlantic trade. With the ebb and flow of trade, the city's prominence was inseparable from the echoes of a complex history, a testament to its enduring journey.

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