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Saturday, May 17th, 2008 |
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The Virginia Beach area now offers cruises! virginiabeach.com is bringing great deals on these fabulous vacations!
VA Beach Cruise Guide
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Virginia Beach History
A long time in the making.
The rich history of Virginia Beach dates back nearly 400 years, when the first English colonists ventured to the New World.
On April 26, 1607, the vessels Sarah Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery stopped at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. The
colonists spent three days at the site of their first landing, erecting a cross and naming the spot Cape Henry. From
Cape Henry they sailed across the bay and up the river, ultimately settling the colony of Jamestown. 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.
As the population of Princess Anne County grew, trade flourished. Fifty years after the first settlers set foot on Cape
Henry, the waters in the area became so congested with merchant ships that bonfires were used to guide vessels safely
through the Chesapeake Bay. Plans and contract discussions were ongoing for nearly forty years before the Cape Henry
Lighthouse was built and first shone its beacon in the fall of 1792.
After the Civil War, lifesaving efforts were stepped up to cope with the inevitable maritime mishaps along the coastline.
Between 1874 and 1915, more than 185 shipwrecks occurred along Princess Anne County's shores, and five lifesaving stations
were constructed to serve the region. These lifesaving stations were an integral part of seafaring life in the area and were
the primary source of assistance for ships in distress until 1915 when the U.S. Coast Guard was formed.
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 were the accommodations 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 2000 Census indicates a Virginia Beach population of 425,257.
Four military installations in Virginia Beach--Oceana Naval Air Station, Little Creek, Fort Story, and Dam Neck - make the
city a vital presence on the national and international map. With local museums, sports and entertainment arenas, and a
thriving economic base, the City of Virginia Beach attracts vacationers and future residents alike.
Sources:
vbgov.vom, The Virginia Beach Public Library, The Beach: A History of Virginia Beach, Virginia 1996.
U.S. Census Bureau, State and County Quick Facts. Available: www.census.gov [2001, April 30].
Cape Henry Lighthouse
Today, the old Cape Henry Lighthouse silently guards the entry way into the Chesapeake Bay. Standing near the spot where in
1607 Captain Newport raised a cross to offer thanks for their safe crossing of the Atlantic, the Lighthouse is opened to the
public on a seasonal schedule.
The architectural integrity of the tower is representative of one of John McComb's best and most important constructions.
The Light also symbolizes the first bold steps the nation's new government took to fulfill its obligations to its people.
With the construction of the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay became navigable and safe insuring
steady trade and commerce on the Virginia and Maryland coasts.
Adam Throroughgood House
Adam Thoroughgood arrived in Virginia in 1621 as an indentured servant and in 1636 was granted a land parcel. This house
dates circa 1680 and was probably built by one of his grandsons.
Lynnhaven House
In the modern bustling resort city of Virginia Beach, in a lovely, peaceful country-like setting serenely stands a true
monument to the 18th century.
Francis Land House
Years ago the Land House flourished as a busy Plantation located just off the Pine Tree branch of the Lynnhaven River.
Back to Virginia Beach Attractions
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