|
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia is one of
those unique cities that lie within the United States, being almost
completely surrounded by water. The Elizabeth River is to the west and the
Chesapeake Bay is north and is thought to be the financial, cultural,
historic and urban hub of the area. It has a great history of
transportation and military importance, with the naval base located there,
the biggest such base in the world. The NATO defense headquarters is
located here also, and the corporate headquarters of the Norfolk Southern
Railway; which is one of North America's principal class 1 railroad. Maersk
Line, Limited, managers of the biggest fleet of US flag vessels also calls
the city home. The city has a large number of riverfront and beachfront
property, as well as being linked by bridges, tunnels, interstate highways
and bridge-tunnel venues.
The city's
vibrant history and natural surroundings helped its growth through the early
years of this nation. By 1775, the city was the most prosperous in the
commonwealth and very important in exporting goods to the British isles.
Because of this and other reasons, the area was a loyalist stronghold in the
beginning of the revolution, and the royal governor, Lord Dunmore fled
Williamsburg, the capital and went to Norfolk; where he was able to gain a
few small victories, but eventually was forced out by the rebels. On New
Year's day, 1776, Lord Dunmore's fleet of three ships bombarded the city for
8 hours in hopes of regaining the city or at least punishing the citizens.
The shells and fires that were started burned almost two thirds of the city
and the patriots destroyed the rest for strategic reasons. Just the walls
of St. Paul's Episcopal Church survived and still has a cannonball from that
shelling today in its walls. Another fire started along the waterfront and
destroyed over 300 buildings and the city was in dire straits. During the
1820s, most of the south suffered a recession, causing a large amount of
families to migrate elsewhere, plus the depletion of the soil from too much
tobacco growth had cause more damage to the land and economy.
The state
made some serious attempts to stop slavery, but to no avail. Joseph Jenkins
Roberts, a Norfolk native and many other freed slaves left the country and
went back to Africa, where they helped form the nation of Liberia and
Roberts became the first president; after fashioning the government after
our democracy. In early 1861, the state ratified the recession ordinance
and fought along with the other confederate states until 1862, when Norfolk
was taken over by Gen. John Wool and they held it under martial law until
the surrender by Lee. During the early 1900s, the city gained more land to
grow and built the naval station, which was a great help in the first World
War. After the war, the city continued to grow, as it annexed other towns
and when the interstate highways came knocking on their door, they built
bridges and tunnels to bring them in and ease the traffic around the city.
The state went through some rough times in the 1950s with desegregation and
integration, which finally ended and the city went through a calmer period;
although during the 60s, the city's residents had a really bad attitude
towards the naval service personnel, with signs that read "dogs and sailors
keep off the grass" and by confining the liberty of the sailors to a
notorious stretch of the city that was disheartening.
The city
enjoys many forms of architecture that has evolved over the centuries, and
has developed some impressive venues that help the city increase its
popularity. The tourism business has grown over the years and with the
rejuvenation of the downtown area and a cruise ship terminal, the economy
enjoys a fair amount of money coming in. With the huge presence of
shipping, warehousing, distribution, sales and logistics, the area continues
to grow. Being the cultural center for the Hampton Roads region, many
monuments, museums, theaters, performing arts and other cultural venues, it
is a destination many are going to. Sports, parks and recreation all
contribute to the well being of its citizens and with the ocean, rivers,
lakes and other waterways, this is a wonderland of adventures.
Transportation is a great help and with neighboring Williamsburg and
Virginia Beach, the region is an inviting place to live, work and play.
On your next visit to
Norfolk, you can save money and time by renting a car. By
renting a car, you will add flexibility to your vacation or visit
and have less worries about getting around. Many people will pick
up their rental car at or near the Norfolk International Airport where
they have a larger selection. The rental car company can pick you
up at or near the Norfolk International Airport making it that much
easier for you. They will help you choose the best vehicle for your
needs whether it be a compact, mid-size, full-size, luxury car, SUV
or minivan. So, the next time you come to Norfolk, contact your
favorite rental car company and start your visit off right.
Dollar Rental Car Specials
Dollar Rental Car - Norfolk International
Airport
The USS Wisconsin, one of the biggest and last
battleships built by the US Navy, serving courageous since 1943. With a
guided tour or self guided tour, this majestic bastion of naval pride,
courage and heroism is now available for anyone wanting to explore the
ship's attributes. There are exhibits that are interactive to show you what
you will be seeing, photographs of the ship's history, the dimensions, the
chronological history in pictures, videos showing the great ship coming into
port and berth at the Nauticus shipyard, the history and statistics of it
many battles, the many awards that the ship earned, the weapons that the
ship has and the unmanned aerial vehicle that was a part of the ship for
many years. All this and more is available to everyone that is interested
in finding out about this great battleship that went through three wars and
survived. See what it would be like to sleep on the hung canvas bunks, or
to shower in salt water, or stand watch on the forecastle and fantail. Head
to the bridge and imagine yourself behind the big wheel steering this
monstrosity into the winds. An exciting adventure for anyone.
Thrifty Rental
Car Specials
Thrifty Rental Car - Norfolk Airport
Thrifty Car Rental - Norfolk Alternate
The Chrysler Museum of Art is located in the exquisite
home of the late Moses Myers and his wife Eliza, which was built just after
the Revolutionary War in Norfolk. Myers was an early entrepreneur and
prominent citizen that built the house to accommodate his growing family.
After passing along to later generations, Norfolk mayor Barton Myers started
renovating the home to its original condition in 1892, with a large number
of relics and furnishings that belonged to the family. His foresights has
helped create a marvelous collection of antiquities throughout the last 2
hundred years. Now, Chrysler has taken over the property to add its
collection to the beautiful brick Federal home, containing over 40,000
objects d' art spanning over 5000 years. With European and American
paintings and sculptures, a world famous glass collection, incredible
photograph collection, African, Asian, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian and Islamic
art and Art Noveau furniture; this is one of the best collection ever. |