Norfolk, VA Summary

The seaport of Norfolk has always been the Eastern Seaboard’s busiest trade center because of its prime location at the mouth of the Lafayette River at Chesapeake Bay. Linked to the coast by the Hampton Roads, this city of 261,500 residents oozes energy.

Most of Norfolk’s historic buildings dating back to the 1680s were either torched during the Revolutionary War or destroyed by Union bombardment during the Civil War, but two that survived are the 1792 Moses-Myers House and the Willoughby-Baylor House, which dates back to 1794.

Norfolk’s commerce is bustling with the largest US naval base in its port. You can watch navy cruisers slicing through the waters to the base at the International Pier.

Norfolk also boasts the massive MacArthur Center shopping mall.

Near the harbor, the Douglas MacArthur Memorial features the noted World War II general’s military life in newsreels and personal papers. MacArthur was instrumental in turning the tide of victory from Japan in the Pacific, along with commanding the UN forces in Japan. He fell from grace during the Korean War over his desire to bomb China. His tomb is located here under the rotunda.

Norfolk’s maritime pride, Nauticus: The National Maritime Center, is housed within a battleship. It has fascinating virtual reality exhibits, such as a sonar submarine hunt and a search for the Loch Ness monster. Adjacent to the center is the new Tugboat Museum. Within the Nauticus complex, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum delves into both Revolutionary and Civil War history.

A casual atmosphere is enjoyed at the Waterside Festival Marketplace.

Next door is Town Point Park, the center of Norfolk’s yearround festivities, and the poignant Armed Forces Memorial. Also close by is the esteemed Chrysler Museum of Art, housing the titans of canvas, including the eclectic work of Andy Warhol. Additionally, the museum has a superb collection of Tiffany glassware.

The city is off I-64. It has an international airport; buses and trains are available in Newport News.