97-420: Prince Edward County may refer to: Prince Edward County, Virginia , United States Prince Edward County, Ontario , Canada [REDACTED] Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles about distinct geographical locations with the same name. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to
194-546: A center for the study of civil rights in education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 354 square miles (920 km ), of which 350 square miles (910 km ) is land and 3.9 square miles (10 km ) (1.1%) is water. Most of the county's streams drain into the Appomattox River, a tributary of the James River, but in the southeastern corner of the county, streams drain via
291-591: A city. On June 7, 1855, the 183-foot vessel Benjamin Franklin put into Hampton Roads for repairs. The ship had just sailed from the West Indies , where there had been an outbreak of yellow fever . The port health officer ordered the ship quarantined. After eleven days, a second inspection found no issues, so it was allowed to dock. A few days later, the first cases of yellow fever were discovered in Norfolk, and
388-481: A female householder with no husband present, and 34.90% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.99. In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.20% under the age of 18, 23.50% from 18 to 24, 22.50% from 25 to 44, 19.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
485-447: A female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.06. The age distribution was 24.0% under the age of 18, 18.2% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 16.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
582-447: A large internal market for slavery. The invention of the cotton gin in the late-eighteenth century had made profitable the cultivation of short-staple cotton in the uplands, which was widely practiced. The American Colonization Society proposed to " repatriate " free blacks and freed slaves to Africa by establishing the new colony of Liberia and paying for transportation. But most African Americans wanted to stay in their birthplace of
679-494: A long history tied to the Chesapeake Bay . The city's revitalization in recent decades has transformed neighborhoods such as Downtown , Ghent and Fairmount Park . Popular residential neighborhoods include Ghent, Colonial Place, Larchmont, North Shore, Edgewater, and Lafayette Shores. Narrative below is based on climate data from the 1991–2020 period. Norfolk has a humid subtropical climate and its USDA Hardiness Zone
776-404: A machinist died from the disease on July 8. By August, several people were dying per day, and a third of the city's population had fled in the hopes of escaping the epidemic. No one understood how the disease was transmitted. With both Norfolk and Portsmouth being infected, New York banned all traffic from those sites. Neighboring cities also banned residents from Norfolk. The epidemic spread through
873-469: A policy of " massive resistance ". (At this time, most black citizens were still disfranchised under the state's turn-of-the-century constitution and discriminatory practices related to voter registration and elections.) The Virginia General Assembly prohibited state funding for integrated public schools. In 1958, United States district courts in Virginia ordered schools to open for the first time on
970-600: A policy promoted by the Byrd Organization led by U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd , to avoid compliance with the Supreme Court ruling in Brown and its direction to integrate public schools. The state legislature (overwhelmingly dominated by whites since disfranchisement of African Americans in the state in the early 1900s) created a program of "tuition grants," which could be given to students so they could attend
1067-461: A private school of their choice. In practice, this meant state support of all-white schools that were developed as a way to evade integration of public schools. These newly formed schools became known as the " segregation academies ". As a result of the Brown decision, and changes in Virginia laws, in 1959, the Board of Supervisors for Prince Edward County refused to appropriate any funds at all for
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#17327653503621164-670: A racially integrated basis. In response, Governor J. Lindsay Almond ordered the schools closed. The Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals declared the state law to be in conflict with the state constitution and ordered all public schools to be funded, whether integrated or not. About ten days later, Almond capitulated and asked the General Assembly to rescind several "massive resistance" laws. In February 1959, seventeen black children entered six previously segregated Norfolk public schools. Virginian-Pilot editor Lenoir Chambers editorialized against massive resistance and earned
1261-564: A range of specialized courses, such as business law, carpentry, agriculture and automotive technology. The Fuqua School , member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, is the primary K-12 alternative to the public schools for Prince Edward County, having been founded as a segregation academy . It, like each of the county's public schools, is located in Farmville. The private men's college Hampden-Sydney College
1358-636: A school bus parked outside. Teachers and students did not have desks or blackboards. The school's requests for additional funds were denied by the all-white school board. On Monday, April 23, 1951, Barbara Johns , the sixteen-year-old niece of Reverend Vernon Johns , a civil rights activist, led students who staged a walkout protesting the conditions. The NAACP took up their case when the students agreed to petition for an integrated school rather than improved conditions at their black school. This vote passed by one count. Howard University -trained attorneys Spottswood W. Robinson and Oliver Hill filed suit against
1455-416: A simple construction. In the early nineteenth century, Neoclassical architectural elements began to appear in the federal style row homes, such as ionic columns in the porticoes and classic motifs over doorways and windows. Many Federal-style row houses were modernized by placing a Greek-style porch at the front. Greek and Roman elements were integrated into public buildings such as the old City Hall,
1552-579: A strong supporter of the school in its early years. Fuqua remains the only large private school in Prince Edward County, but a few other smaller private schools have been opened in recent decades. The former R.R. Moton High School building in Farmville has been recognized as a nationally significant community landmark. In 1998, it was designated a National Historic Landmark . It now houses the Robert Russa Moton Museum ,
1649-801: A suburb. Additionally, Norfolk is part of the Virginia Beach-Norfolk, VA-NC Combined Statistical Area , which includes the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA, the Elizabeth City, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area , and the Kill Devil Hills, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area. The CSA is the 32nd largest in the nation with an estimated population in 2013 of 1,810,266. In addition to extensive riverfront property, Norfolk has miles of bayfront resort property and beaches in
1746-566: A town until the 1700s. When the establishment of the House of Burgesses introduced representative government to the colony in 1619, governor Sir George Yeardley divided the developed portion the colony into four incorporated jurisdictions, termed citties. The land on which Norfolk now sits fell under Elizabeth Cittie incorporation. In 1634 King Charles I reorganized the colony into a system of shires , and Elizabeth Cittie became Elizabeth City Shire . After persuading 105 people to settle in
1843-648: Is 8a. Spring arrives in March with mild days and cool nights, and by late May, the temperature has warmed up considerably to herald warm summer days. Summers are consistently warm and humid, but the nearby Atlantic Ocean often exercises a slight cooling effect on daytime high temperatures, but a slight warming effect on nighttime low temperatures (compared to areas farther inland). As such, temperatures reach 90 °F (32 °C) or higher on an average 35 days annually, and 100 °F (37.8 °C) are uncommon, occurring in fewer than one-third of all years. On average, July
1940-689: Is a major military center, particularly for the United States Navy , and Norfolk serves as the home for Naval Station Norfolk , the world's largest naval installation. Located on Sewell's Point Peninsula , in the northwest corner of the city, the station is the headquarters of the United States Fleet Forces Command (formerly known as the Atlantic Fleet), which compromises over 62,000 active-duty personnel, 75 ships, and 132 aircraft. The base also serves as
2037-593: Is an independent city in Virginia , United States. As of the 2020 census , Norfolk had a population of 238,005, making it the third-most populous city in Virginia after neighboring Virginia Beach and Chesapeake , and the 96th-most populous city in the nation . Norfolk holds a strategic position as the historical, urban, financial, and cultural center of the Hampton Roads region (sometimes called " Tidewater "), which has more than 1.8 million inhabitants and
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#17327653503622134-665: Is attributable to increases in defense spending. After the military, the second largest and most important industry for Hampton Roads and Norfolk based on economic impact are the region's cargo ports. Headquartered in Norfolk, the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) is a Commonwealth of Virginia owned entity that, in turn, owns and operates three major port facilities in Hampton Roads for break-bulk and container type cargo. In Norfolk, Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) represents one of those three facilities and
2231-587: Is home to the world's largest and fastest container cranes. Together, the three terminals of the VPA handled a total of over 2 million TEUs and 475,000 tons of breakbulk cargo in 2006, making it the second busiest port on the east coast of North America by total cargo volume after the Port of New York and New Jersey. In addition to NIT, Norfolk is home to the Lambert's Point docks, the largest coal trans-shipment point in
2328-422: Is located in Prince Edward County, south of Farmville in the unincorporated community of Hampden Sydney, Virginia . Longwood University , the third-oldest public university in Virginia, is located in Farmville. 37°13′N 78°26′W / 37.22°N 78.44°W / 37.22; -78.44 Norfolk, Virginia Norfolk ( locally / ˈ n ɔːr f ʊ k / NOR -fuuk )
2425-503: Is the 37th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with ten cities. Norfolk was incorporated in 1705. Bordered to the west by the Elizabeth River and to the north by the Chesapeake Bay , the city shares land borders with the independent cities of Chesapeake to its south and Virginia Beach to its east. With coastline along multiple bodies of water, Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront property, including beaches on
2522-422: Is the warmest month, with a normal mean temperature of 81.1 °F (27.3 °C). On average, July and August are the wettest months, due to frequent summer thunderstorm activity. In August and September, rainfall remains high, due to rising frequency of tropical activity (hurricanes and tropical storms), which can bring high winds and heavy rains. These usually brush Norfolk and only occasionally make landfalls in
2619-400: Is very vulnerable to sea level rise , with water levels expected to rise by more than 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) by the end of the 21st century. The city has a long history as a strategic military and transportation point, where many railroad lines started. It is linked to its neighbors by an extensive network of interstate highways , bridges , tunnels , and three bridge-tunnel complexes. In
2716-704: The American Revolution but were insufficient to allow the Royal Governor of Virginia John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore to make Norfolk his new capital after fleeing Williamsburg in 1775. On New Year's Day, 1776, Lord Dunmore's fleet of three ships shelled the city of Norfolk for more than eight hours. The gunfire, combined with fires started by the British and spread by the Patriots, destroyed more than 800 buildings, constituting nearly two-thirds of
2813-641: The Battle of Fort Sumter , another vote occurred on April 17, where Blow voted for secession, the vote passed and Virginia seceded from the Union . In the spring of 1862, the Battle of Hampton Roads took place off the northwest shore of the city's Sewell's Point Peninsula , marking the first fight between two ironclads , the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia . The battle ended in a stalemate but changed
2910-590: The Commonwealth of Virginia . As of the 2020 census , the population was 21,849. Its county seat is Farmville . Prince Edward County was formed in the Virginia Colony in 1754 from Amelia County . It was named for Prince Edward , second son of Frederick, Prince of Wales , and younger brother of George III of the United Kingdom . The original county seat housed the courthouse and
3007-595: The Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. At that point, county and state supervisors gave in rather than risk prosecution and prison, ending the era of Massive Resistance in Virginia. The same summer, following the Griffith ruling, 16 students from Queens College (New York) ventured south to Prince Edward County during their "Student Help Project" Program, a precursor to the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer . The students served as teachers to
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3104-616: The Farmville Belt Line , which had been built on a more direct line between Burkeville and Pamplin City, as had originally been envisioned in the planning for the Southside Railroad. Another railroad formerly served Farmville. In the late 19th century, the narrow gauge Farmville and Powhatan Railroad was built from Farmville through Cumberland , Powhatan , and Chesterfield counties to reach Bermuda Hundred on
3201-642: The Financial Panic of 1873 , the AM&;O fell into default on its debt; it was purchased in the early 1880s by new owners who renamed it the Norfolk and Western (N&W). In 1982, it became part of the current Norfolk Southern Railway system. Due to the high cost of maintaining the High Bridge over the Appomattox River, the line through Farmville was downgraded and eventually abandoned, in favor of
3298-538: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revoked the tax-free status of non-profit discriminatory private schools. Prince Edward Academy was one of the latter and lost its tax-exempt status in 1978. In 1986, the school began to accept all students regardless of race or ethnicity. It was renamed the Fuqua School in 1992, in honor of J. B. Fuqua , a wealthy businessman who was born in Farmville and was
3395-495: The Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing . With new suburban developments beckoning, many white middle-class residents moved out of the city along new highway routes, and Norfolk's population declined, a pattern repeated in numerous cities during the postwar era independently of segregation issues. In the late-1960s and early-1970s, the advent of newer suburban shopping destinations along with freeways spelled demise for
3492-478: The Willoughby Spit and Ocean View communities. Being low-lying and largely surrounded by water, Norfolk is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by climate change . In addition, the land on which it is built is slowly subsiding . Some areas already flood regularly at high tide, and the city commissioned a study in 2012 to investigate how to address the issue in the future: it reported
3589-501: The "Towne of Lower Norfolk County" in 1680. In 1691, a final county subdivision took place when Lower Norfolk County split to form Norfolk County (included in present-day cities of Norfolk, Chesapeake , and parts of Portsmouth ) and Princess Anne County (present-day Virginia Beach ). Norfolk was incorporated in 1705. In 1730, a tobacco inspection site was located here. According to the Tobacco Inspection Act ,
3686-531: The 87th most dangerous city larger than 75,000 inhabitants. In 2010, 4,727 people of Filipino ancestry lived in Norfolk. Chinese immigration occurred after 1885, and in 1995 300 families were members of the Chinese Community Association. Since Norfolk serves as the commercial and cultural center for the unusual geographical region of Hampton Roads (and in its political structure of independent cities), it can be difficult to separate
3783-546: The Chesapeake Bay. The coastal zones are important for the economy. The largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk , is located in Norfolk along with one of NATO 's two Strategic Command headquarters . Additionally, Norfolk is an important contributor to the Port of Virginia . It is home to Maersk Line, Limited , which manages the world's largest fleet of US-flag vessels . This low-lying coastal infrastructure
3880-581: The City of Norfolk), chiefly on Thoroughgood's recommendation. This area of Virginia became known as the place of entrepreneurs, including men of the Virginia Company of London . Norfolk developed in the late-seventeenth century as a "Half Moone" fort was constructed and 50 acres (200,000 m ) were acquired from local natives of the Powhatan Confederacy in exchange for 10,000 pounds of tobacco. The House of Burgesses established
3977-481: The Civil War, under the leadership of former Confederate General William "Billy" Mahone , the Southside Railroad was rebuilt. In 1870, it was combined with the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad and the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad to form Mahone's Atlantic, Mississippi and Ohio Railroad (AM&O), which extended 400 miles across the southern tier of Virginia from Norfolk on Hampton Roads to Bristol . After
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4074-519: The County School Board. It effectively closed all public schools rather than integrate them. The Prince Edward County Public Schools remained closed for five years. While other Virginia and some southern school systems resisted integration, Prince Edward County was the only school district in the country to resort to such extreme measures. During the interruption in access to Prince Edward County's public schools, white parents established
4171-569: The Northern Hemisphere, with an annual capacity of approximately 48,000,000 tons. Bituminous coal is primarily sourced from the Appalachian mountains in western Virginia, West Virginia , and Kentucky . The coal is loaded onto trains and sent to the port where it is unloaded onto large breakbulk cargo ships and destined for New England, Europe, and Asia. Between 1925 and 2007, Ford Motor Company operated Norfolk Assembly ,
4268-691: The Nottoway River into the Chowan River and thence into Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. The highest point in the county is the top of Leighs Mountain at 714 feet above sea level. As of the census of 2000, there were 19,720 people, 6,561 households, and 4,271 families residing in the county. The population density was 56 people per square mile (22 people/km ). There were 7,527 housing units at an average density of 21 units per square mile (8.1 units/km ). The racial makeup of
4365-817: The Peninsula , Portsmouth , and Virginia Beach . In 1952, the Downtown Tunnel opened to connect Norfolk with the city of Portsmouth. The highways also stimulated the development of new housing suburbs, leading to the population spreading out. Additional bridges and tunnels included the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in 1957, the Midtown Tunnel in 1962, and the Virginia Beach-Norfolk Expressway ( Interstate 264 and State Route 44 ) in 1967. In 1991,
4462-481: The Post Office building downtown. Art Deco consisted of streamlined concrete faced appearance with smooth stone or metal, with terracotta , and trimming consisting of glass and colored tiles . Norfolk has a variety of historic neighborhoods, notably Freemason and West Freemason. Some neighborhoods, such as Berkley , were formerly cities and towns. Others, including Willoughby Spit and Ocean View , have
4559-507: The Prince Edward Foundation. It founded a series of private schools restricted to white children. These schools were supported by the tuition grants from the state and tax credits from the county. Collectively they became known as " Prince Edward Academy ", one of Virginia's "segregation academies". Prince Edward Academy operated as the de facto school system and enrolled K-12 students at a number of facilities throughout
4656-612: The Queens College Department of Special Collections and Archives. As a result of Prince Edward County's actions, some students missed part or all of their education for five years. This group has been called the "Lost Generation" of Prince Edward County's youth. Even after the re-opening of the public schools, Prince Edward Academy remained segregated. Many of the segregated academies in Virginia eventually closed; others changed their missions and eliminated discriminatory policies. Some yielded on integration only after
4753-556: The Revolutionary War's burning, Norfolk and its citizens struggled to rebuild. In 1804, another serious fire along the city's waterfront destroyed some 300 buildings and the city suffered a serious economic setback. In the War of 1812 between America and Great Britain, Norfolk saw action between American militia led by Richard Lawson and the British navy. On July 13, 1813. A British landing party of 8 marines and 16 sailors landed at
4850-456: The Tidewater, where it had been the primary commodity crop for generations. Virginia made some attempts to phase out slavery and manumissions increased in the two decades following the war. Thomas Jefferson Randolph gained passage of an 1832 resolution for gradual abolition in the state. However, by that time the increased demand from the settlement of the lower South states had created
4947-568: The US Navy's Norfolk Naval Shipyard is just across the Downtown Tunnel in Portsmouth . Most contracts fulfilled by these shipyards are issued by the Navy, though some private commercial repair also takes place. Over 35% of Gross Regional Product (which includes the entire Norfolk-Newport News-Virginia Beach MSA), is attributable to defense spending, and that 75% of all regional growth since 2001
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#17327653503625044-556: The US prepared to enter World War I , the Naval Air Station Hampton Roads had been constructed on the former exposition grounds. In the first half of the twentieth century, the city of Norfolk expanded its borders through annexation. In 1906, the city annexed the incorporated town of Berkley , making the city cross the Elizabeth River . In 1923, the city expanded to include Sewell's Point, Willoughby Spit ,
5141-561: The United States and achieve freedom and rights there. For a period, many emigrants to Liberia from Virginia and North Carolina embarked from the port of Norfolk. Joseph Jenkins Roberts , a free person of color native to Norfolk, emigrated via the American Colonization Society and later was elected as the first president of Liberia , establishing a powerful family. In 1845, Norfolk was incorporated as
5238-526: The area; the highest-risk period is mid-August to the end of September. Fall is marked by mild to warm days and cooler nights. Winter is usually mild in Norfolk, with average winter days featuring lows near or slightly above freezing and highs in the upper-40s to mid-50s (8 to 13 °C). On average, the coldest month of the year is January, with a normal mean temperature of 42.2 °F (5.7 °C), Snow occurs sporadically, with an average winter accumulation of 6.2 in (15.7 cm). Norfolk's record high
5335-492: The beaches of Norfolk to construct a well and gather water. Richard Lawson concealed his company of militia behind a benign looking sandhill. Richard Lawson and his militia sprang their ambush by opening fire from their concealment behind the Sandhills. The British landing party who suffered 3 marines killed surrendered. Richard Lawson who suffered none killed had his militia destroy the British boat, take all provisions, and take
5432-527: The brass cannon. The American militia under Lawson returned to town with their prisoners. During the 1820s, agrarian communities across the American South suffered a prolonged recession, which caused many families to migrate to other areas. Many moved west into the Piedmont , or further into Kentucky and Tennessee . This migration also followed the exhaustion of soil due to tobacco cultivation in
5529-619: The city via mosquitoes and poor sanitation, affecting every family and causing widespread panic. The number of infected reached 5,000 in September, and by the second week, 1,500 had died in Norfolk and Portsmouth. As the weather cooled, the outbreak began to wane, leaving a final tally of about 3,200 dead. It took the city some time to recover. On April 4, 1861, Norfolk city delegate to the Virginia Secession Convention , George Blow, voted against secession. Following
5626-460: The city was $ 17,372. About 15.5% of families and 19.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 27.9% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those ages 65 or over. For the year of 2007, Norfolk had a total crime index of 514.7 per 100,000 residents. This was above the national average of 320.9 that year. For 2007, the city experienced 48 homicides, for a murder rate of 21.1 per 100,000 residents. Total crime had decreased when compared to
5723-483: The city was 47.1% White , 43.1% African American , 0.5% Native American , 3.3% Asian , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 2.2% from other races , and 3.6% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 6.6% of the population. Non-Hispanic Whites were 44.3% of the population in 2010, down from 68.5% in 1970. There were 86,210 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 18.8% had
5820-499: The city. Patriot forces destroyed the remaining buildings for strategic reasons the following month. Ultimately, Colonel Woodford drove Dunmore into exile, ending more than 168 years of British rule in Virginia. Only the walls of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church survived the bombardment and subsequent fires. A cannonball from the bombardment (fired by the Liverpool ) remains within the wall of Saint Paul's. Following recovery from
5917-633: The colony, Adam Thoroughgood (who had immigrated to Virginia in 1622 from King's Lynn , Norfolk , England ) was granted a large land holding, through the head rights system, along the Lynnhaven River in 1636. When the South Hampton Roads portion of the shire was separated, Thoroughgood suggested the name of his birthplace for the newly formed New Norfolk County . One year later, it was divided into two counties, Upper Norfolk and Lower Norfolk (the latter now incorporated into
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#17327653503626014-560: The cost of dealing with a sea-level rise of one foot would be around $ 1,000,000,000. Since then, scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in 2013 have estimated that if current trends hold, the sea in Norfolk will rise by 5 and 1/2 feet or more by the end of this century. When Norfolk was first settled, homes were made of wood and frame construction, similar to most medieval English-style homes. These homes had wide chimneys and thatch roofs . Some decades after
6111-585: The counties of Gloucester , Isle of Wight , James City , Mathews , and York , as well as the North Carolina counties of Currituck and Gates . The city of Norfolk is recognized as the central business district, while the Virginia Beach oceanside resort district and Williamsburg are primarily centers of tourism. Virginia Beach is the most populated city within the MSA though it functions more as
6208-472: The county school system on behalf of the students. As in other Southern states , since the turn of the twentieth century black voters in Virginia had been largely disenfranchised , which resulted in their lacking political power. In Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County , a state court rejected the suit, agreeing with defense attorney T. Justin Moore that Virginia was vigorously equalizing conditions in black and white schools. The state verdict
6305-419: The county was 62.17% White , 35.82% Black or African American , 0.18% Native American , 0.55% Asian , 0.10% Pacific Islander , 0.23% from other races , and 0.95% from two or more races. 0.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 6,561 households, out of which 29.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.50% were married couples living together, 14.90% had
6402-453: The county. From 1959 to 1964, black students in Prince Edward County had to go to school elsewhere or forgo their education altogether. Some got schooling by living with relatives in nearby communities or at makeshift schools the community created in church basements. Others were educated out of state with funds raised by groups such as the Quakers . In the final year (1963–1964), the NAACP-sponsored Prince Edward Free School picked up some of
6499-439: The course of naval warfare; from then on, warships were fortified with metal. In May 1862, Norfolk Mayor William Lamb surrendered the city to Union General John E. Wool and his forces. They held the city under martial law for the duration of the Civil War. Thousands of slaves from the region escaped to Union lines to gain freedom; they quickly set up schools in Norfolk to start learning how to read and write, years before
6596-549: The desegregation of all U.S. public schools. Among the five cases decided under Brown , Davis was the only one initiated by students, after they walked out in 1951 to protest overcrowding and poor conditions at their segregated school under Jim Crow laws . The all-black R.R. Moton High School, named after Robert Russa Moton , a noted educator from neighboring Amelia County , did not have a gymnasium, cafeteria, or teachers' restrooms. Due to overcrowding, three plywood buildings had been erected, and some students had to take classes in
6693-480: The economic characteristics of Norfolk from that of the region as a whole. The waterways which almost completely surround the Hampton Roads region play an important part in the local economy. As a strategic location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay , its protected deep-water channels serve as a major trade artery for the import and export of goods from across the Mid-Atlantic , Mid-West , and internationally. In addition to commercial activities, Hampton Roads
6790-568: The end of the war. 1907 brought both the Virginian Railway and the Jamestown Exposition to Sewell's Point . The large Naval Review at the Exposition demonstrated the peninsula's favorable location and laid the groundwork for the world's largest naval base. Southern Democrats in Congress gained its location here. Commemorating the tricentennial anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the exposition featured many prominent officials, including President Theodore Roosevelt , members of Congress , and diplomats from twenty-one countries. By 1917, as
6887-448: The fortunes of downtown's Granby Street commercial corridor, located just a few blocks inland from the waterfront. The opening of malls and large shopping centers drew off retail business from Granby Street. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been based in Norfolk since 1996. Norfolk's city leaders began a long push to revive its urban core . While Granby Street underwent decline, Norfolk city leaders focused on
6984-564: The headquarters to NATO 's Allied Command Transformation . The region also plays an important role in defense contracting, with particular emphasis in the shipbuilding and ship repair businesses for the city of Norfolk. Major private shipyards located in Norfolk or the Hampton Roads area include: Huntington Ingalls Industries (formerly Northrop Grumman Newport News) in Newport News, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair , General Dynamics NASSCO Norfolk, and Colonna's Shipyard Inc., while
7081-646: The inspection was "At Norfolk Town, upon the fort land, in the County of Norfolk; and Kemp's Landing , in Princess Anne, under one inspection." In 1736 George II granted it a royal charter as a borough. It was an important port for exporting goods to the British Isles and beyond. Mercantile ties with the British Empire bolstered Norfolk's base of Loyalist support during the early part of
7178-411: The intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Prince_Edward_County&oldid=1209906807 " Category : County name disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Prince Edward County, Virginia Prince Edward County is located in
7275-604: The junction of the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay . The Hampton Roads Metropolitan Statistical Area (officially known as the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA ) is the 37th largest in the United States, with an estimated population of 1,716,624 in 2014. The area includes the Virginia cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach , Chesapeake , Hampton , Newport News , Poquoson , Portsmouth , Suffolk , Williamsburg , and
7372-554: The late nineteenth century when structures such as the current Commodore Maury Hotel and the Royster Building were constructed to form the initial Norfolk skyline. Past styles were revived during the early years of the twentieth century. Bungalows and apartment buildings became popular for those living in the city. As the Great Depression wore on, Art Deco emerged as a popular building style, as evidenced by
7469-554: The late sixteenth century, the area that is now Norfolk was inhabited by the Chesepian people, who referred to the land as "K'che-sepi-ack." According to historical accounts from William Strachy, the Chesepian settlements were destroyed by the Powhatan shortly before the establishment of Jamestown in 1607. Norfolk's lands were some of the first to draw settlers from the Virginia Colony , although Norfolk would not be incorporated as
7566-432: The many African-American children who had been denied an education. These volunteers worked with the students to prepare them to resume classes when schools reopened that fall. The volunteers from Queens College were housed among leading African-American families in the county that summer. They used local churches as school houses during the week. Many of the students involved in the program have since donated their archives to
7663-698: The navigable portion of the James River near its confluence with the Appomattox River at City Point . It was later renamed the Tidewater and Western Railroad , but was dismantled in the early 20th century. Prince Edward County is the source of Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County , a case incorporated into Brown v. Board of Education , which ultimately resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court decision that racially segregated public schools were unconstitutional. This ultimately led to
7760-604: The new Downtown Tunnel / Berkley Bridge complex opened a new system of multiple lanes of highway and interchanges connecting Downtown Norfolk and Interstate 464 with the Downtown Tunnel tubes. In 1954 the Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated public schools were unconstitutional , as the public system was supported by all taxpayers. It ordered integration , but Virginia pursued
7857-595: The old Norfolk Academy, and the Customs House. Greek-style homes gave way to Gothic Revival in the 1830s, which emphasized pointed arches , steep gable roofs, towers and tracer-lead windows. The Freemason Baptist Church and St. Mary's Catholic Church are examples of Gothic Revival. Italianate elements emerged in the 1840s including cupolas , verandas , ornamental brickwork , or corner quoins . Norfolk still had simple wooden structures among its more ornate buildings. High-rise buildings were first built in
7954-430: The park was named the finest facility in minor league baseball by Baseball America . Norfolk's efforts to revitalize its downtown have attracted acclaim from economic development and urban planning circles throughout the country. Downtown's rising fortunes helped to expand the city's revenues and allowed the city to direct attention to other neighborhoods. The city is located at the southeastern corner of Virginia at
8051-404: The population were below the poverty line , including 24.4 percent of those under age 18 and 15.9 percent of those ages 65 and over. Persons below poverty in the year of 2007 were 20.3 percent compared to 9.9 percent of Virginia. Native Americans accounted for 71.8 percent in 2000. There is a relatively large number of children between the ages of 12 and 17. This age group accounts for 27 percent of
8148-554: The poverty. Unemployment accounted for 10.3 percent in Prince Edward County compared to 7.2 in all of Virginia. Prince Edward County Public Schools, the only school division in the county, operates the following schools, all located on the same multi-school campus in the Town of Farmville: Also located within the multi-school campus is the Prince Edward County Career & Technical Education Center, offering
8245-560: The slack by educating some of the black youth who had been unable to leave the county to attend public schools elsewhere. In 1963, federal district courts ordered the public schools to open; Prince Edward County appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Ruling in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County , the Court unanimously agreed in May 1964 that Prince Edward County's actions violated
8342-682: The town of Campostella, and the Ocean View area. The city included the Navy Base and miles of beach property fronting on Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay . After a smaller annexation in 1959, and a 1988 land swap with Virginia Beach , the city assumed its current boundaries. The establishment of the Interstate Highway System following World War II brought new highways to the region. A series of bridges and tunnels, constructed during fifteen years, linked Norfolk with
8439-576: The town was first laid out in 1682, the Georgian architectural style , which was popular in the South at the time, was used. Brick was considered more substantial construction; patterns were made by brick laid and Flemish bond . This style evolved to include projecting center pavilions, Palladian windows, balustraded roof decks, and two-story porticoes . By 1740, homes, warehouses, stores, workshops, and taverns began to dot Norfolk's streets. Norfolk
8536-705: The waterfront and catalyze further downtown redevelopment. Waterside was redeveloped in 2017. Additionally, the waterfront area hosts the Nauticus maritime museum and science center , Hampton Roads Naval Museum , Half-Moone Cruise and Celebration Center , and the USS Wisconsin . Other facilities opened in the ensuing years, including the Harbor Park baseball stadium, home of the Norfolk Tides Triple-A minor league baseball team. In 1995,
8633-458: The waterfront and its collection of decaying piers and warehouses. Many obsolete shipping and warehousing facilities were demolished. In their place, planners created a new boulevard, Waterside Drive, along which many of the high-rise buildings in Norfolk's skyline have been erected. In 1983, the city and The Rouse Company developed the Waterside festival marketplace to attract people back to
8730-638: The year 2000, which the city had a total crime index of 546.3. The highest murder rate Norfolk has experienced for the 21st century was in 2005 when its rate was 24.5 per 100,000 residents. For the year 2007 per 100,000, Norfolk experienced 21.1 murders, 42.6 rapes, 399.3 robberies, 381.3 assaults, 743.3 burglaries, and 450.6 automobile thefts. According to the Congressional Quarterly Press '2008 City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America, Norfolk, Virginia, ranked as
8827-476: Was 105 °F (41 °C) on August 7, 1918, and July 24 and 25, 2010, and the record low was −3 °F (−19 °C) recorded on January 21, 1985 . As of the census of 2010, there were 242,803 people, 86,210 households, and 51,898 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,362.8 people per square mile (1,684.5 people/km ). There were 94,416 dwelling units at an average density of 1,757.3 per square mile (678.5/km ). The racial makeup of
8924-438: Was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 104.8 males. This large gender imbalance is due to the military presence in the city, most notably Naval Station Norfolk. The median income for a household in the city was $ 31,815, and the median income for a family was $ 36,891. Males had a median income of $ 25,848 versus $ 21,907 for females. The per capita income for
9021-403: Was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 95.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.20 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 31,301, and the median income for a family was $ 38,509. Males had a median income of $ 29,487 versus $ 21,659 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 14,510. About 14.6 percent of families and 18.9 percent of
9118-596: Was appealed to the U.S. District Court , which ruled for the plaintiffs, a decision the school district and the state appealed. Subsequently, it was one of five cases incorporated into Brown v. Board of Education , the landmark case in which the U.S. Supreme Court in 1954 ruled that segregated public schools were unconstitutional. In 1956, the Virginia General Assembly passed a series of laws (the Stanley Plan ) to implement Massive Resistance ,
9215-761: Was burned down during the Revolutionary War . After the Revolution , Norfolk was rebuilt in the Federal style, based on Roman ideals. Federal-style homes kept Georgian symmetry, though they had more refined decorations to look like New World homes. Federal homes had features such as narrow sidelights with an embracing fanlight around the doorway, giant porticoes, gable or flat roofs, and projecting bays on exterior walls. Rooms were oval, elliptical or octagonal. Few of these federal rowhouses remain standing today. A majority of buildings were made of wood and had
9312-487: Was called Prince Edward Courthouse; it is now the village of Worsham . Near the headwaters of the Appomattox River , the Town of Farmville was formed in 1798 and was incorporated in 1912. The county seat was moved from Worsham to Farmville in 1871. In the 1850s, the Southside Railroad between Petersburg and Lynchburg was built through Farmville between Burkeville and Pamplin City . The route, which
9409-650: Was subsidized by a contribution from Farmville, required an expensive crossing of the Appomattox River slightly downstream which became known as the High Bridge . The Southside Railroad was heavily damaged during the American Civil War . The High Bridge played a key role during Confederate General Robert E. Lee 's final retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox Courthouse , where the surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant took place in April 1865. After
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