Suffolk

by The Linguist

Suffolk is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of the U.S. state of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 92,108 making it the largest city in Virginia by land area. Suffolk was founded by English colonists in 1742 as a port town on the Nansemond River. Originally known as Constant’s Warehouse, Suffolk transitioned from an agricultural economy to a more industrialized one in the 20th century. Major employers today include Sentara Obici Hospital, Lipton Tea, Target, QVC, and Planters.

History of Suffolk

The area where Suffolk is located was originally inhabited by Native Americans, particularly the Nansemond tribe. English colonists from Jamestown established a settlement on the Nansemond River in 1642 called Constant’s Warehouse. This settlement became a hub for Virginia’s tobacco trade. In 1742, the village was incorporated as a town called Suffolk. The name was chosen because many of its founding colonists were from Suffolk, England.

During the American Revolutionary War, Suffolk served as a supply and evacuation point for the Continental Army. Later, Suffolk became an economically important cotton export port. The 19th century saw increased commercial and industrial development, including the establishment of several cotton processing plants. Peanut processing soon followed, driven by local farmer and entrepreneur Nathaniel Terry.

Suffolk became an independent city in 1910 when it separated from Nansemond County. Peanut processing, shipbuilding and other industries boosted the economy throughout the 20th century. Today, Suffolk remains an important agricultural processing and distribution center. Tourism is also a growing economic sector, driven by Suffolk’s many historic sites and museums.

Geography and Climate

Suffolk is located in southeastern Virginia, situated on the Nansemond River about 30 miles west of Norfolk. With over 429 square miles of land area, Suffolk is the largest city in Virginia by land mass. However, much of the city area is rural.

Suffolk has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is around 90°F, while the average low in January is just above freezing at 33°F. Snowfall is light, averaging under 4 inches annually.

Demographics and Population

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Suffolk was estimated at 92,108 people. This makes Suffolk the 11th most populous city in Virginia. The racial makeup of Suffolk is approximately 42.3% white, 47.8% black or African American, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.7% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races.

Suffolk’s population has grown substantially over the past few decades. It rose 22% between 1990 and 2000. Growth slowed in the early 2000’s but has picked up again more recently, with Suffolk’s population increasing over 8% between 2010 and 2020. Ongoing development of housing, retail and industrial sites continues to draw new residents.

Economy and Major Employers

In the 21st century, Suffolk’s economy continues to be driven by agribusiness, logistics, and manufacturing. Some of the city’s major private employers include:

  • Sentara Obici Hospital – Regional medical center and retirement community providing over 1,300 jobs.
  • Lipton Tea – Tea bag manufacturing plant employing over 700 workers.
  • QVC – TV and online shopping network with a distribution center in Suffolk.
  • Target – Retail chain with a major Suffolk distribution facility.
  • Planters – Snack food company with roots in Suffolk’s peanut industry.

Other major employers include defense contractor DRMcnAT, packaging producer Unipac, and window and door maker Ply Gem. The city and school system are also large employers in Suffolk.

Key industries today include warehousing and distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, technology and tourism. Agriculture and food processing remain important pillars of the local economy as well. Peanuts and other crops are still grown on Suffolk’s farms today.

Attractions and Landmarks

Despite its small size, Suffolk offers a variety of historical and cultural attractions. Some popular sites include:

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Merchant’s Millpond State Park also offer outdoor recreation opportunities near the city.

Sports

The city has a rich history in sports, being the home of the historic Suffolk Downs horse track for many years. Horse racing ended in the mid 20th century but motorsports now take place at the Suffolk Raceway oval track.

In baseball, Suffolk was home to the Suffolk Stallions and Suffolk Braves minor league teams for decades. Today, the city is home to the Suffolk Tidewater Baseballs, members of the summer collegiate Coastal Plain League.

Government

Suffolk utilizes a council-manager form of government. The day-to-day operations are handled by a city manager appointed by the city council. Suffolk has an eight member city council made up of both at-large and district representatives, currently headed by Mayor Michael Duman.

City government information and services can be found on the official City of Suffolk website. Residents can find details on city departments, meetings, economic development, tourism and more.

Education

Suffolk Public Schools operate seven elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and one alternative school in the city. Higher education options include Paul D. Camp Community College’s Suffolk campus. Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University also have satellite locations in Suffolk.

Conclusion

In summary, Suffolk has grown from humble beginnings as a colonial river settlement to become a major economic and population hub in Virginia today. While continuing to honor its agricultural and manufacturing roots, the city is focused on diversifying its economy and providing a high quality of life to its 92,000 residents. From its historic homes to modern parks and attractions, Suffolk offers a blend of tradition and progress uniquely its own.