History of Virginia Beach

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Virginia Beach is inextricably linked to the inception of English colonies in North America. It was here, at Cape Henry, on April 26, 1607, that English colonists first landed on the shore, later founding Jamestown—the first permanent settlement in the New World. This event, known as the "First Landing," is a pivotal moment in the region's early history. However, the territory of the modern city itself began to be actively populated only years later. Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands were inhabited by Native American tribes, specifically the Chesepians.

The establishment of Virginia Beach as a settlement began much later. In 1887-1888, the construction of a railway connecting the coast with Norfolk and the erection of hotels marked the beginning of the resort zone's development. Official town status was granted in 1906, and in 1952 it became an independent city. The city acquired its modern boundaries in 1963 following a merger with Princess Anne County, which significantly increased its territory and population.

Key Factors of Establishment

Several key factors defined the city's development:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the Atlantic Ocean coast and at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay predetermined its destiny as a popular seaside resort.
• Tourism Development: Beginning in the late 19th century, tourism became the main driving force of the economy. The city is famous for its extensive beaches, which have even been listed in the Guinness World Records.
• Transport Accessibility: The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century made the resort accessible to holidaymakers, providing a powerful impetus for its growth.
• Military Presence: After World War I and especially after World War II, the region became an important base for the US Armed Forces. The presence of several major military bases continues to play a significant role in the city's economy today.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its formation as a resort in the late 19th century, Virginia Beach acquired the characteristics of a place for leisure and entertainment. The economy was seasonal and entirely dependent on the flow of tourists visiting the coast. The cultural image of the city formed around beach leisure: hotels, boarding houses, and the famous boardwalk along the ocean were built. Early Virginia Beach was a classic resort town oriented towards providing services to holidaymakers, which laid the foundation for its modern identity.

Key Dates in the History of Virginia Beach

The history of Virginia Beach is rich in events that have shaped its appearance—from the site of the colonists' first landing to a modern thriving resort. Below is a chronology of the most important moments in the city's development.

• 1607 — English colonists first set foot on the soil of the New World at Cape Henry, which became the starting point for the settlement of America.
• 1781 — The decisive naval Battle of the Capes (Battle of the Chesapeake) takes place off the coast; the French fleet's victory over the British determined the outcome of the American Revolutionary War.
• 1887 — Foundation of the resort with the start of railway construction and hotels connecting the coastal zone with Norfolk.
• 1888 — The first wooden Oceanfront Boardwalk is built, marking the beginning of tourism infrastructure development.
• 1906 — The settlement officially receives the status of the town of Virginia Beach.
• 1935 — A memorial cross is erected at Cape Henry in memory of the "First Landing" of the English settlers.
• 1952 — Virginia Beach receives the status of an independent city.
• 1963 — The city merges with Princess Anne County, multiplying its territory and population several times over.
• 1964 — The grand Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel opens, becoming a marvel of engineering and a vital transport artery.
• 1971 — Mount Trashmore Park opens, a unique recreation zone created on the site of a former landfill.
• 1986 — The Virginia Marine Science Museum opens, now known as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Major Milestones in the Development of Virginia Beach

The development of Virginia Beach is a story of transformation from a quiet coast into a thriving metropolis. The key stages that defined its modern appearance encompass urban planning, economic, and cultural transformations.

• Late 19th Century — Birth of the Resort. The construction of the railway connecting the coast with Norfolk in 1887 and the erection of the first hotels served as the starting point. This step turned a secluded area into a popular holiday destination and laid the foundation for the city's tourism economy.
• Post-War Period — Becoming a Military Hub. After the First and especially the Second World Wars, major military facilities were established in the region, such as Naval Air Station Oceana. This diversified the economy, created thousands of jobs, and ensured stable population growth regardless of the tourist season.
• 1963 — The Great Merger. The consolidation of the small resort town of Virginia Beach with the vast agricultural Princess Anne County was a decisive urban planning step. As a result of the merger, the city's territory increased manifold, opening opportunities for large-scale suburban construction and defining its modern structure.
• 1964 — Opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. This ambitious engineering project, spanning over 28 km, connected Virginia Beach with the Delmarva Peninsula. The Bridge-Tunnel radically improved transport accessibility, stimulated trade and tourism, and strengthened the city's position as a key transport hub on the East Coast.
• 1980s — Development of Cultural Institutions. The opening of the Marine Science Museum (now the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center) in 1986 marked a new stage in the city's development. This demonstrated the authorities' desire to create not just beach infrastructure, but also cultural and educational facilities attractive to residents and tourists year-round.
• Early 2000s — Creation of the Town Center. The implementation of the Town Center project, which began in 2000, was aimed at creating a proper urban core with high-rise buildings, offices, shops, and residential complexes. This transformed the predominantly suburban landscape, creating a new economic and cultural focus away from the oceanfront.

The architectural appearance of Virginia Beach is a reflection of its history as a young American city that has journeyed from a seaside resort to a major metropolis. You will not find medieval Gothic or Renaissance styles here, as the main development occurred in the 20th and 21st centuries. The city's urban planning is characterized by a transition from coastal development to extensive suburban districts and, finally, to the creation of a modern urban centre.

Colonial Heritage and Resort Eclecticism (18th — Early 20th Century)

Despite its modern look, echoes of the colonial era remain in Virginia Beach. The oldest structures, such as the Adam Thoroughgood House (c. 1719), demonstrate early American colonial architecture. However, the defining factor for the city became the resort status it acquired in the late 19th century. This period is characterized by eclecticism and styles popular for coastal towns of that time, including elements of Victorian architecture and Queen Anne style seen in wooden cottages and the first hotels.

• The Cavalier Hotel (1927): The Cavalier Hotel became a true architectural gem. Built in the Renaissance Revival style, it embodies the luxury of the "Roaring Twenties." Its Y-shaped plan and rich decoration made it a landmark building and a centre of social life for decades.
• Lighthouses at Cape Henry: The Old Lighthouse (1792) is one of the first public projects of the new American government, representing a simple and functional structure, while the new one, built in 1881, is an example of later engineering architecture.

Era of Suburbanization (Mid-20th Century)

A key moment in urban planning was the merger of the city with Princess Anne County in 1963. This event triggered rapid suburban growth. The architecture of this period is predominantly represented by typical American styles such as Ranch and Split-level. The urban structure became decentralized and car-oriented, with large residential neighbourhoods and shopping centres along major highways.

New Urbanism and Modern Architecture (Late 20th — 21st Century)

At the turn of the century, Virginia Beach took steps to create a full-fledged central business district, known as the Town Center. This project was a response to suburban sprawl and embodied the ideas of new urbanism with pedestrian zones, mixed-use development, and high-rise buildings. Modernism and Postmodernism dominate here.

• The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center: The tallest building in Virginia, this skyscraper is a symbol of the new urban centre and an example of modern high-rise architecture.
• Sandler Center for the Performing Arts: Another landmark building in the Town Center, demonstrating modern approaches to designing public cultural spaces.
• Oceanfront Development: The historic resort zone has also been transformed—old motels have been replaced by modern multi-storey hotels and condominiums, reflecting global trends in resort architecture.

Notable Personalities Associated with Virginia Beach

Throughout its history, Virginia Beach has become home or a significant place in the biography of many talented and influential people. From colonial pioneers to global stars of music and sports, here are some of them:

• Pharrell Williams — Musician, producer, and designer. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Williams is one of the most influential producers in modern music and a winner of multiple Grammy Awards. He actively participates in the life of his hometown, having founded the "Something in the Water" music festival here and investing in major urban projects such as Atlantic Park.
• Gabby Douglas — Olympic gymnastics champion. Douglas grew up in Virginia Beach, where she began training in gymnastics at the age of six. At the 2012 London Olympics, she became the first African American woman to win gold in the individual all-around, making history in American sports.
• Edgar Cayce — Mystic, medium, and healer. Although Cayce was not born here, he moved to Virginia Beach in 1925, declaring it the ideal place for his spiritual work. In 1931, he founded the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) here, which remains a major centre for the study of holistic medicine and metaphysics today, attracting followers from around the world.
• Missy Elliott — Rapper, singer, and producer. Although born in neighbouring Portsmouth, Elliott is closely linked to the region and owns a home in Virginia Beach, which was featured on the show "MTV Cribs." She is one of the most innovative figures in hip-hop, whose work has had a tremendous influence on the music industry.
• Mark Ruffalo — Actor and producer. Ruffalo spent his teenage years in Virginia Beach, where he graduated from First Colonial High School. Today, he is a world-renowned actor nominated for an Oscar and known for roles in films such as the Marvel Universe (Hulk) and "Spotlight."
• Adam Thoroughgood — One of the first and most influential colonists of Virginia. He arrived in the colony in 1621 and became a major landowner in the territory that is now part of Virginia Beach. His home, built around 1719 by one of his descendants, is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest brick houses in the USA.
• Pat Robertson — Media mogul and televangelist. In 1960, he founded the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in Virginia Beach, which grew into a global media empire. He is also the founder and chancellor of Regent University, located in the city. His activities have had a significant impact on the political and cultural landscape of the city and the country.