LIVING IN NORFOLK/PORTSMOUTH

The history of Norfolk/Portsmouth, VA dates back to 1620 when it was recognized as a plantation for the sake of ship building. It became a town in 1752 and an independent city in 1855.

The shipyard became the property of the United States government after the American Revolutionary War, and after Virginia joined the confederacy in the American Civil War, it was seized by the confederacy, but not before it was burned by the union to be unusable for the confederacy. However, the confederacy rebuilt the yard, utilized it and burnt it again before leaving. The Union eventually recaptured the shipyard and officially named it Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

The Olde Towne Business and Historical District in downtown Portsmouth holds some of the most historic attractions in Portsmouth, including the newly renovated Hawthorn Hotel & Suites and Emanuel AME Church where the African American Methodist Movement was initiated.

The city of Norfolk also holds some historic housing including the Moses Myers House, which is one of the first red brick homes built after the American Revolution, and the Willoughby-Baylor House, built by Thomas Willoughby and home to numerous 18th century furnishings that perfectly portray colonial style living.

Also in Portsmouth is the Children's museum, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Chrysler Museum of Art, Museum of Military History, Naval Shipyard and Lightship Museum, and Harbor Center. The area also boasts numerous outdoor activities such as beaches, golfing and various hiking trails.

Approximately seven miles from Norfolk in Chesapeake, VA, is the Cesapeake Arboretum and the Chesapeake Golf Club.

The climate in Portsmouth is mild year round, making it an ideal place for people who don't enjoy drastic climate changes and like outdoor activities. Summers are typically humid, snow averages six inches in the winter and rainfall averages 47 inches during the year.

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