Location

Hampton Roads is located approximately 90 miles east of Richmond, 180 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and 330 miles south of New York City. It is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the city of Suffolk. Its prominent rivers and waterways are responsible for much of the area's economic growth.

Hampton Roads is an area rich in history. It was first discovered in 1607 when a landing party of English colonists came ashore at Cape Henry. These first settlers eventually moved further inland to establish America's first permanent colony at Jamestown. During the Revolutionary War, Norfolk was bombarded by Lord Dunmore's fleet then burned by patriotic citizens to prevent the British from using the town. During the Civil War, Hampton Roads was the setting for the famous naval battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac.

Today, the Hampton Roads area abounds in cultural and economic opportunity. Its five cities - Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach - are unique in the quantity and variety of outdoor recreational facilities they offer. Water sports are naturally very popular; there are many beaches, fishing piers and boating facilities. There are many city parks and several championship golf courses as well as excellent tennis courts.

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