The History of Virginia Beach, VA
If you want to learn the history of Virginia Beach, Virginia, then you have to look back to when the English colonists landed at Cape Henry in the spring of 1607. They established their first permanent settlement in Jamestown, weeks later they first landed.
Cape Henry became a passageway for the British merchant ships to get to America. Knowing that there could be a danger for the people in Virginia, the governor in Virginia demanded that a lighthouse is built to heighten security. However, it was not until 1774 that the lighthouse was built. The tower was completed in 1791. Another lighthouse was established in 1881, but it was the old one that became Virginia Beach’s official symbol.
Cape Henry became a passageway for the British merchant ships to get to America. Knowing that there could be a danger for the people in Virginia, the governor in Virginia demanded that a lighthouse is built to heighten security. However, it was not until 1774 that the lighthouse was built. The tower was completed in 1791. Another lighthouse was established in 1881, but it was the old one that became Virginia Beach’s official symbol.
Native Americans
Before the arrival of the English settlers in 1607, the Chesepians (American Indian) were the Native American residents of the area now called the South Hampton Roads in Virginia. They inhabited an area which is now known as Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach areas. There were five provinces or kingdoms that were ruled by a king or chief.
Skicoak, which is located in the present independent city of Norfolk, was the main village of Chesepians. Apasus and Chesepioc were two other towns near the Chesapeake Bay. The area was dominated by the Virginia-Peninsula-based Powhatan Confederacy. In 1607, around the time the first permanent English settlement was founded, the Chesapeake had joined forces to defy the Powhatan Confederacy. This defiance caused them casualties. They were totally defeated, not by Powhatan but by disease and attrition.
Skicoak, which is located in the present independent city of Norfolk, was the main village of Chesepians. Apasus and Chesepioc were two other towns near the Chesapeake Bay. The area was dominated by the Virginia-Peninsula-based Powhatan Confederacy. In 1607, around the time the first permanent English settlement was founded, the Chesapeake had joined forces to defy the Powhatan Confederacy. This defiance caused them casualties. They were totally defeated, not by Powhatan but by disease and attrition.
Europeans
The English, under the protection of Sir Walter Raleigh, explored Cape Henry coast following the Spanish explorers who also sailed the Henry Coast. They explored the area in July and August 1584. However, the colony that was established by John White on Roanoke Island mysteriously disappeared. Dozen years passed before they sent another expedition to claim the area, but like their first try, this expedition too failed.
The expedition led by Captain Christopher Newport, with his crew that consists of 105 men and boys became the first expedition to establish the first permanent settlement in Jamestown. At present, the site of their “First Landing” is open to the general public. It is now called the “First Landing State Park” to pay tribute to the historic event.
The expedition led by Captain Christopher Newport, with his crew that consists of 105 men and boys became the first expedition to establish the first permanent settlement in Jamestown. At present, the site of their “First Landing” is open to the general public. It is now called the “First Landing State Park” to pay tribute to the historic event.
Development and Growth
Virginia Beach started to develop in the 19th century. They first had electricity in 1888, as well as railway connections.
Virginia Beach gained political independence from Princess Anne County in 1963. It started to grow as a resort which targets families as its main market. As the years pass, Virginia Beach continues to gain popularity. The construction of the Virginia Beach Town Center was brought about by the huge investment the city received.
In 2003, the first sections of the Town Center were opened. The center is now complete with dining facilities, shops, and a performing arts center. While big events such as tournaments, trade shows, and conferences are held in the Convention Center.
For more information about Virginia Beach please click here.
Virginia Beach gained political independence from Princess Anne County in 1963. It started to grow as a resort which targets families as its main market. As the years pass, Virginia Beach continues to gain popularity. The construction of the Virginia Beach Town Center was brought about by the huge investment the city received.
In 2003, the first sections of the Town Center were opened. The center is now complete with dining facilities, shops, and a performing arts center. While big events such as tournaments, trade shows, and conferences are held in the Convention Center.
For more information about Virginia Beach please click here.