Virginias, located on the South-East coast of the United States is a wonderful and enchanting sea-side city. The area has what is considered to be optimal temperatures. Not to cold in the winter and not smoking hot in the summer as one may find the air to be in Florida or Hawaii. Whether a person is drawn to Newport News, VA for it ocean or for its land-lover activities; there is much that this city offers.
The Mariner’s Museum, is one of the world’s largest maritime museums and is quite famous all over the world. There are other museums as well, such as the Air and Space Museum, which is located very close by in Hampton, Newport News. This museum is an interactive adventure enjoyed by adults and children.
For sea lovers, they will be amazed at the breathtaking Atlantic oceans views. This area is known for great sailing, boating, jet-skiing, water-skiing, sunning, and for those who do not mind cool waters, swimming. While fishing always a fun option, those who do not have their own boats will find there are options to go out on rented and guided fishing boats. Those who decided to stay on land while looking at the ocean at Newport News, VA will find plenty of shopping and dining.
Inside Newport News, VA is the Hilton Village. This is a restored community with rich heritage. It is filled with shops and restaurants. A great place to go for walks, there are plenty of benches and nice locations for a person to sit and enjoy the weather and sights. Nearby is Phoebus, this is a small community that offers people a step back into time; it has loads of historical sites, such as the American Theater, tons of antique shopping and dining. Restaurants range from cozy diners to elegant restaurants.
Newport News, VA is a truly unique city. It is believed that this city got its name in 1619 when Captain Christopher Newport returned to England from America with three ships holding tons of provisions. This was seen as welcomed news to those who were waiting for his return. His ship was then nicknames Newport News and this led to the city taking on the name. Settled in the early 1600’s ,this city is filled with rich heritage. A large portion of the city is coastline; with sixty-two square miles of land, twenty-two are coastline.
What is intereting, is that the very first Christmas that was ever celebrated, was done so near this city, in the city of Hampton. Early colonists from nearby met with the Kecoughtan Indians to share in a feast. Oysters were the main dish,as this is a coastal community. Anyone loving the ocean or quaint and
Fact 3: Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! The first Christmas on what would become US soil was celebrated in Hampton. Colonists from nearby Jamestown met with the Kecoughtan Indians to share oysters and other goodies, along with good cheer, in December 1608
Fact 4: Land ho! True to its maritime history, Newport News continues to welcome ships of all shapes and sizes. You can view the comings and goings at Victory Landing Park.
Fact 5: Ten-hut! Since the 1700s, the Peninsula area has had a strong military presence, and was strategically important as an alternate route to Richmond during the Civil War. In 1819, Fort Monroe was founded and is now the headquarters for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command. Langley Air Force Base is well known as the site of the initial incarnation of NASA, where the very first astronauts were trained in 1958.
Fact 6: Built in the 1820s, the strategically located Fort Monroe had a key role in Union General George McClellan's Peninsula Campaign in 1862. In fact, despite the campaign's overall failure, Monroe was the only fort in the Upper South not to fall into Confederate hands.
Fact 7: Also in 1862, the "Battle of the Ironclads" (between the USS Monitor and the USS Virginia) raged off the coast here, an amazing fight that revolutionized naval warfare.
Fact 8: When the US entered WWI, Newport News became a point of embarkation for the US Army, and as soldiers began to return in 1919, the city honored them by constructing the Victory Arch. Some 441,000 service men and women walked through the arch after World War I, and more than 487,000 at the end of World War II.
Fact 9: Jump on the Lead Horse and go for a spin! The Hampton Carousel, a beautifully restored 1920's amusement ride, is one of only about 170 authentic wooden merry-go-rounds still operating in the US.
Fact 10: Shiver me timbers, ye scurvy dogs! In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates were a common threat along the coast, and regularly navigated inland from the ocean into the rivers. Legend has it that, as a warning to other pirates, Blackbeard's severed head was displayed on a spike at a certain spot alongside the Hampton River, a place henceforth known as Blackbeard's Point.