Norfolk Travel Guide

Norfolk

36.85077, -76.28587

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Travel Author

Stig Albeck

City Map

City Introduction

Norfolk in the state of Virginia is a city steeped in rich history, since it was established in 1682. Norfolk’s origins trace back to its early days as a colonial settlement, and the city was named after the English county of Norfolk. It was incorporated as a borough in 1736, and during the American Revolutionary War, Norfolk was burned in 1776 by orders of the outgoing Virginia governor, Lord Dunmore. However, Norfolk was soon rebuilt, and the following century brought growth and prosperity, as the city became a major coal exporting port and a hub for the Norfolk and Western Railway.

In 1845, Norfolk was incorporated as a city, but 10 years later it was struck by a yellow fever epidemic. About 3,200 died in Norfolk and neighboring Portsmouth, and it took time to recover. In 1862, the Battle of Hampton Roads took place off the shore of the city’s Sewell’s Point Peninsula, and it marked the first fight between two ironclads, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Throughout its history, Norfolk has played a significant role in America’s naval and shipping industries. The establishment of the Norfolk Naval Station in 1917 further cemented its importance and added to its maritime history.

Downtown Norfolk is the heart of the city with Main Street and Granby Street as central thoroughfares. The streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and various sights. The downtown area is compact and walkable, making it easy for visitors to explore it. In Main Street you can see the Owen B. Pickett U.S. Custom House, which was built in the mid-19th century. It stands in classical style as one of Norfolk’s most striking downtown heritage buildings.

Close by is the MacArthur Memorial, which is also a Classical Revival structure, and it once served as the city hall and courthouse. Today, it contains the tombs of General Douglas MacArthur and his wife, a museum and a vast research library, personal belongings and a short film that chronicles the life of McArthur. If you continue a bit to the east, you can see the Catholic Basilica of Saint Mary, built 1857–1858.

Norfolk’s waterfront is another highlight of the city. Town Point Park is one block from Main Street, and it offer lovely views to the river, marinas and ships. You can also visit Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum. It is located on the downtown waterfront and features interactive exhibits, and it is here you find the 270-meter Battleship USS Wisconsin. The Wisconsin is an Iowa-class battleship completed in 1944 and assigned to the Pacific Theater during World War II.

There are other interesting museums in Norfolk. The Chrysler Museum of Art is located on the border between downtown and the Ghent district, and it hosts a vast collection of over 30,000 artworks. The museum was founded in 1933, and in 1971 automotive heir, Walter P. Chrysler Jr., donated most of his extensive collection to the museum. There are works by Tintoretto, Peter Paul Rubens, Diego Velázquez, and many more. The Hunter House Victorian Museum is a great choice as well. It showcases Victorian decorative arts and architecture. The house was built in 1894 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style for the merchant and banker James Wilson Hunter.

Other Attractions

Day Trips

Richmond

Richmond is the capital and one of the largest cities in the US state of Virginia. The English exploration of the area dates to 1607, and 30 years later Thomas Stegg established a trading post here. In 1645, Fort Charles was built on the site, but it took until 1733 before the small settlement was named Richmond, because the river here reminded of the Thames in England. In 1737 the city was laid out according to William Mayo’s plan, and in 1779 Richmond replaced Williamsburg as the state capital.

After American independence, Richmond became an important industrial city and canals were built for the important river transport. During the American Civil War, Richmond was the largest industrial city in the southern states, and it was the capital of the Confederate States of America in the years 1861-1865.

Washington

Washington is the capital of the United States, and from the beginning it was thoughtfully designed in the best American style. The city is unlike any other city in the United States and the world, with its many splendid buildings, political power centers, large memorials, outstanding museums and not least known buildings from countless TV broadcasts in worldwide news and from varies movies.

A walk in Washington will undoubtedly seem exciting and familiar to many who can not recognize scenes from film and television. For example, the National Mall’s lawns are like a jump into television news. All places seem familiar, not least the White House and the Capitol. Many other places such as the FBI building can also be easily recognized. Along the way you discover a lot of other interesting sights as well.