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Discover Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is not only a popular resort destination but it also has a rich history dating back to colonial times when the first English colonists landed at Cape Henry. On April 26, 1607, the vessels Sarah Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery stopped at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The colonists named the spot Cape Henry and from Cape Henry they sailed across the bay and up the river, ultimately settling Jamestown colony. Later colonists settled around Cape Henry and the lands beyond. Princess Anne County was formed from the eastern section of Lower Norfolk County in 1691 and was named in honor of the youngest daughter of King James.
Virginia Beach has been a popular resort destination since 1880s. Railroad service to the beach began in 1883, transporting visitors from Norfolk to the oceanfront. In 1888, the "in place" was the modernized Princess Anne Hotel, described in a local newspaper as "a magnificent hotel, with electric lights, bath houses with a veranda, and a good ballroom.
The most luxurious of all the accommodations were those offered by the Cavalier Hotel. Called "the Queen of the Beach," the Cavalier opened its doors to guests in 1927. Vacationers and tourists are still a vital part of life in Virginia Beach, even after 120 years!
Since the merger of Princess Anne County and the resort town of Virginia Beach in 1963, the City of Virginia Beach has enjoyed a steady rate of growth in population as well as visitors. The 2006 Census indicates a Virginia Beach population of 435,619.
The military also has a large presence Virginia Beach--Oceana Naval Air Station, Little Creek, Fort Story, and Dam Neck - being the 4 military installations in the area. With local museums, sports and entertainment arenas, and a thriving economic base, the City of Virginia Beach attracts vacationers and future residents alike.
Sources:
The Virginia Beach Public Library, The Beach: A History of Virginia Beach, Virginia 1996.
U.S. Census Bureau, State and County Quick Facts [Homepage of the U.S. Census Bureau]. Available: www.census.gov [2001, April 30]. |
