Chesapeake

by The Linguist

 

Chesapeake, Virginia

Chesapeake is an independent city located in the South Hampton Roads area of the U.S. state of Virginia. As of 2021, the population of Chesapeake was estimated to be 251,133 making it the third-most populous city in Virginia. Chesapeake was originally named Norfolk County and was part of the Colony of Virginia beginning in 1637. In 1963, the city of South Norfolk consolidated with Norfolk County to form the new independent city of Chesapeake. Today, Chesapeake covers more than 340 square miles of land and over 100 square miles of water.

To learn more about the history of Chesapeake, visit the Chesapeake Wikipedia page.

Population

According to the 2021 population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Chesapeake has a population of 251,133 residents, making it the third-most populous city in Virginia behind Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The city has seen steady population growth over the past few decades. Some key population statistics for Chesapeake:

  • 48.1% Male, 51.9% Female
  • 62.1% White, 29.7% Black or African American, 3.6% Asian
  • Median Age: 36.6 years old
  • 16.6% of population under 18 years, 12.7% 65 years and over

For more details and the latest population estimates, visit the Chesapeake QuickFacts from the U.S. Census Bureau.

History

The area now known as Chesapeake was originally inhabited by Native American tribes of the Powhattan confederacy. The first European settlement in the area was founded in 1637 as Norfolk County, which was one of the original shires of the Virginia Colony. Early settlers were involved in tobacco growing, logging, shipbuilding and oyster harvesting. Many historic homes and plantations from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved in Chesapeake.

Throughout its early history, Norfolk County encompassed a much larger area including what is now the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. In 1963, the small independent city of South Norfolk consolidated with the remainder of Norfolk County to form the new independent city of Chesapeake.

To explore more of the history of Chesapeake, visit the Chesapeake city website history page.

Economy

Some of the major industries and employers in Chesapeake include:

  • Healthcare – Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Encompass Health
  • Education – Chesapeake Public Schools, Tidewater Community College
  • Defense – Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems
  • Retail – Dollar Tree, Walmart, Target
  • Services – Geico, PRA Group, Cox Communications

Other important economic factors for the city include the Port of Chesapeake, agriculture, tourism and its location near military bases and transportation networks. Major employers in Chesapeake include:

  • Chesapeake Regional Medical Center – 4800 George Washington Highway, Chesapeake, VA 23321, (757) 312-6100
  • Chesapeake Public Schools – 304 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322, (757) 547-0153
  • Dollar Tree – 500 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 321-5000
  • Geico – 5885 University Center Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23323, (757) 961-1800

For more information on the Chesapeake economy and business resources, visit the Economic Development website.

Tourism

Some of the top attractions bringing tourists to Chesapeake include:

  • Chesapeake Bay – Beaches, boating, fishing
  • Dismal Swamp Canal Trail – Biking, hiking, wildlife
  • Chesapeake Arboretum – Gardens, trails, education
  • Battlefield Golf Club – Public golf course
  • Chesapeake City Park – Recreation, festivals
  • Great Bridge Lock Park – Lock displays, Chesapeake history

Popular annual events in Chesapeake include the Chesapeake Jubilee Festival in April, Canal Days in October and various concerts and holiday celebrations happening year-round. Chesapeake also features many family-friendly museums such as the Children of the American Revolution Museum and the Fire Museum of Hampton Roads.

For more on visiting Chesapeake, check out the Chesapeake tourism website.

Landmarks

Chesapeake City Hall

306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

GPS: 36°48’21.0″N 76°16’43.0″W

Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center

2136 Deep Creek Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23323

GPS: 36°34’41.9″N 76°22’27.4″W

Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation

424 S Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

GPS: 36°47’17.5″N 76°15’45.9″W

Government and Infrastructure

Chesapeake is an independent city and thus operates independently from any county jurisdiction. However, it interacts closely with surrounding municipalities in the Hampton Roads region. The city is led by an elected City Council and Mayor.

Visit the Chesapeake City Council website to learn more about the city’s elected officials.

Some other key public resources and infrastructure in Chesapeake include:

  • Chesapeake City Public Schools – Website, 306 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322, (757) 547-0153
  • Chesapeake Public Library – Website, 298 Cedar Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322, (757) 523-7420
  • Chesapeake Regional Healthcare – Website, 736 N Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23320, (757) 312-8121
  • Chesapeake Police Department – Website, 304 Albemarle Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23322, (757) 382-6161
  • Hampton Roads Transit – Website, 3400 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23661, (757) 222-6100

Chesapeake is located in the independent city jurisdiction and does not belong to any county. However, it borders the southeastern corner of the City of Norfolk and the northeastern corner of the City of Suffolk.

For more information on Chesapeake city government services, visit the city department directory.

Local Culture and Resources

Chesapeake has many community resources and local attractions that reflect the city’s culture and diversity. Some examples include:

From maritime heritage along the Intracoastal Waterway to family farms producing peanuts and soybeans, Chesapeake has diverse aspects to its local culture. Residents take pride in the city’s unique history and natural amenities.