Norfolk was founded in 1682, but was not incorporated as a city until 1845. The city was a rallying point for Tory forces at the start of the American Revolution. In 1776, Norfolk was attacked by Americans and in the ensuing battle the city caught fire and was almost entirely destroyed. During the Civil War, Norfolk was an early Confederate naval base. The battle between the Monitor and Merrimack, which was the first engagement between two first ironclad warships, was fought in Hampton Roads. Norfolk fell to Union forces in May 1862.
Nowadays, Norfolk is a port of entry to the United States and a major commercial, industrial, shipping and distribution center. Together with the cities of Portsmouth and Newport News it forms the Port of Hampton Roads, which is one of the world's best natural harbors.
Norfolk boasts 80 km (50 miles) of waterfront. The city has an extensive maritime trade and exports coal, grain, tobacco, seafood and farm products. Industries include shipbuilding, meat and seafood processing and the manufacture of fertilizers, farm implements, chemicals, textiles, trucks and peanut oil. Norfolk is also a major military center and together with Portsmouth it forms an extensive naval complex. The complex serves as the headquarters of the 5th Naval Dist., the Atlantic Fleet, the 2d Fleet and the Supreme Allied Command. The operating base is the largest in the United States and includes a naval air station and other facilities. The Norfolk navy yard is in Portsmouth.
There are numerous interesting sights in Norfolk, including Saint Paul's Church, which dates from 1738 and was the only building to survive the burning of 1776 and Fort Norfolk, which was constructed in 1794. Also worth a visit is the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial, the place where the general is buried. There are many beautiful old houses in Norfolk.
The city is home to Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and Virginia Wesleyan College. There is also a national maritime center and the city hosts an international arts festival. Bridge-tunnels link Norfolk with the Delmarva Peninsula and the city of Hampton.
There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Norfolk. The city is in the southeast of Virginia, on the Elizabeth River and the southern side of Hampton Roads. It is independent and in no county. Norfolk is 130 km southeast from Richmond and 240 km south from Washington D.C.
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