A Locals Guide to the History Of Virginia Beach, Virginia

This article is presented by the experienced sexual abuse lawyers in Virginia Beach. We welcome you to learn more about the history of the local area and attractions in Virginia Beach.

An Evolution of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is located along the southeastern cost of Virginia. The area was originally populated by the Chesepian indigenous people. The first Europeans landed in 1607. These men named the area Cape Henry, after the eldest son of King James I of England. Over the years after being founded, the area attracted many entrepreneurs. It wasn't until 1887 that the area was developed as Virginia Beach, developed as a resort hotel and railroad link to Norfolk. Virginia Beach continued to grow with more hotels opening, becoming a popular vacation spot.

In 1952, Virginia Beach became an independent city, and in 1963, Virginia Beach and Princess Anne county merged to be the modern City of Virginia Beach. Today the area is known for being a tourist destination as well as hosting military institutions, farms and manufacturers.

The climate is humid-subtropical. This means that it doesn't get too cold or see much snow in the winters, and the summers are known to be hot and humid. While seeing the occasional hurricane, the location is in a sweet-spot. It is south of the average path of storms originating higher, and north of tracks of hurricanes and tropical storms originating south.

Things To Do

In Virginia Beach, other than spending the day on the beach and playing in the ocean, visitors and locals have a wide range of activities. There is the Virginia Museum of Contemporary art, which has rotating exhibitions with a focus on painting, sculpture, photography and other art mediums. The Boardwalk Art Show began in 1952 and runs annually in October and is sponsored by the art museum. There is the Military Aviation Museum in the Pungo area of Virginia Beach, which is one of the largest collections of World War I and World War II aircraft.

If you prefer to skip the museums, the new town center opened in 2007 hosting a 1200-seat arts theater, hotels, apartments and plenty of shopping.

For those who are fans of sports, the city is home to the Virginia Beach City FC, part of the NPSL Soccer League and was established in 2014. Every year the East Coast Surfing Championship is hosted in Virginia beach where over 500 professional and amateur surfers compete. There are also 11 public golf courses for those looking to take to the green.

Demographics

In 2010, the population was composed of the following racial composition:

• 67.7% White
• 19.6% African American or Black
• .4% Native American
• 6.1% Asian
• 6.6% Hispanic or Latino
• 4% two or more races
• 2% other

Since the 1950s, the city has become much more diversified, the 1950 census didn't record any Hispanic or Latinos or Asians living in the area. The 2000 census recorded 154,455 households and 110,898 families in the city.

The city is known to be relatively safe, with many violent crimes lower than that of the national average, per 100,000 people.

• Burglary 495.2 (nationally 814.5)
• Automobile Theft 134.4 (nationally 526.5)
• Murder 3.7 (nationally 6.9)

Economy

The median income for a family in 2000 was $53,242, and in 2003 the city ranked as the 5th highest median family income among large cities. The area has a tourism economy of an estimated $857 million with around 15,000 jobs catering to almost 3 million visitors every year.

The agriculture industry in Virginia beach produces around $80 million for the local economy. There are 172 farms in the Virginia Beach area, and many farmers sell their goods at the different Farmer's Markets across the city.

Military Bases

There are several military bases in Virginia Beach. This includes the NAS Oceana and Training Support Center - Hampton Roads. The Joint Expeditionary Base East is located at Cape Henry, about 10 miles north of downtown Virginia Beach.

Read on: An Early History and Overview of Norfolk, VA

Our Local Office

If you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse, our local Virginia Beach sexual abuse lawyers can help provide you information on your legal options. Contact our local office today to speak with an attorney.