The largest natural harbor in the world,
Hampton Roads has played a prominent role in American history ever since Captain John
Smith and 100 other settlers arrived here in 1607, establishing at Jamestown the oldest
permanent English settlement in the New World. The harbor was originally named in honor of
the 17th century English Earl of Southampton (Henry Wriothesley) by the first royal
governor, Lord de la Ware.
The region abounds in history. During the
Revolutionary War, many battles were fought here, ending with Cornwallis' surrender at
Yorktown. In addition, the harbor was the site of the famous Civil War battle between the
ironclads, the Union Monitor and the Confederate Virginia, commonly known as
the Merrimac. In more modern times, the region's large military presence and
shipbuilding industries have continued to play a major role in American history and
defense.
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Chrysler Museum of
Art
Consistently earning high ranks in various
"quality of life" surveys, Hampton Roads abounds in cultural, educational, and
economic opportunity. Educational opportunities in the area are enriched by seven colleges
and universities as well as two community college systems. International trade,
shipbuilding, healthcare, tourism, military bases, and agriculture provide a diverse
economic base with a wide range of employment possibilities.
State and city parks, public beaches, and
other recreational facilities are open to the public for camping, boating, surfing,
fishing, hiking, swimming, tennis, and golf. University sports, professional hockey,
professional soccer, and AAA minor league baseball are available, and Hampton Roads is one
of the most active yachting areas in the nation. History buffs can visit the restored
villages of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. Foodies will enjoy the many
fine and casual restaurants and cafes throughout the area that offer a wide variety of
local and ethnic cuisines.
Many seasonal festivals are available,
including the Virginia Arts Festival (along the entire Virginia waterfront), Virginia
Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Hampton Bay Days, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, the
Norfolk Azalea Festival, the Suffolk Peanut Festival, Chesapeake's Jubilee, Portsmouth's
Todi Music Fest, Norfolk's Harborfest, Octoberfest, holiday Grand Illumination in
Norfolk/Portsmouth and in Williamsburg, and the Portsmouth Seawall Arts Festival. Near the
EVMS campus, on the downtown waterfront, special events are presented most weekends,
sometimes including fireworks and boat parades. Several tour boats set sail nightly
throughout the year, providing tours of the waterfront.
Hampton Roads also offers many
opportunities for weekend getaways. The cultural attractions of Washington, D.C., the
windswept beaches of North Carolina's Outer Banks, and the scenic beauty and ski resorts
of the Blue Ridge Mountains are only a few hours' drive away
