Berkley, Virginia facts for kids
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Berkley North Historic District
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Bellamy Ave., Pescara Creek, Berkley Ave., and I-464, Norfolk, Virginia |
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| Area | 86 acres (35 ha) |
| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Volk, L.B.; et al. |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival, Late Victorian, et al. |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001440 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 22, 2000 |
Berkley was once a separate town in Norfolk County, Virginia. It became an official town by law in 1890. Berkley was located right across the Eastern Branch Elizabeth River from the City of Norfolk. This area is part of what is known as South Hampton Roads.
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Discovering Berkley's Past
In the 1700s, Berkley grew into an important place. It had busy port facilities and a shipyard on the Elizabeth River. These were directly across from Norfolk. In the 1800s, Berkley became a major railway stop. It was the end point for the original Norfolk Southern Railway. This railway stretched about 600 miles all the way to Charlotte, North Carolina. It was an early version of the modern Norfolk Southern rail system we know today.
Becoming Part of Norfolk
Both the Town of Berkley and Norfolk County no longer exist as separate governments. In the late 1800s, Berkley's leaders worried about being taken over by the larger City of Norfolk. They asked the Virginia General Assembly to make Berkley an independent city. This would have protected them from being annexed. However, their plan did not work.
On January 1, 1906, the City of Norfolk officially took over the Town of Berkley. Today, Berkley is a neighborhood within the City of Norfolk. Other parts of Norfolk County later joined with the City of South Norfolk in 1963. Together, they formed the City of Chesapeake.
In 1922, a large fire broke out in the city. It started in a lumber mill and quickly spread. The fire destroyed about two hundred homes.
Berkley Today
In the 2000s, the Berkley Bridge connects Berkley to downtown Norfolk. This bridge is part of I-264. It is one of the few drawbridges on the entire Interstate Highway System. A drawbridge can open to let boats pass underneath.
Berkley is also where the Downtown Tunnel begins. This tunnel goes across the river to Portsmouth. Also, Interstate 464 starts here, leading towards Chesapeake.
Berkley North Historic District
The Berkley North Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This means it is a special area recognized for its history. The district includes 255 important buildings. It is one of the oldest and most diverse communities in southeast Virginia. Now, it is part of the City of Norfolk.
The district features many commercial and residential buildings from the early 1900s. Some of these were designed by important local architects. Notable buildings include the Lycurgus Berkley House, built around 1873. The Norfleet House dates back to 1900. Other important places are St. James Episcopal Church and its chapel, Antioch Baptist Church, and Berkley Avenue Baptist Church. The Merchants' and Planters' Bank and the Seaboard Bank Building (1921) are also part of the district. You can also find the former Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church and the Mary Hardy MacArthur Memorial here.
Famous People from Berkley
Many interesting people have connections to Berkley.
- Peggy Hopkins Joyce (1893–1957) was born in Berkley. She became a famous Broadway actress. She was also a well-known socialite in New York City.
- Mary Pinkney Hardy "Pinky" MacArthur (1852–1935) was born and grew up in Berkley. She was the wife of United States Army Lieutenant General Arthur MacArthur, Jr.. She was also the mother of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur. A memorial to her stands near where her family's home, "Riveredge," used to be.
- William Henry Lewis (1868–1949) was born to parents who were once enslaved but became free. He grew up in Berkley. He later became the first African American appointed as an Assistant US Attorney. He was also the first African-American US Assistant Attorneys General. He played football in college and earned his law degree.
- Kenneth Cooper Alexander (born 1966) grew up in the Berkley area. He is an American politician and a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2012. In 2012, he was elected to the Senate of Virginia. Since 2016, he has been the Mayor of Norfolk.
- Minnie Madrey (1912–2001) was a respected community leader and activist in Berkley.
- Rev. Dr. Jake Manley, Sr. (1924–2013) was a pastor and community leader. He led the Bethany Baptist Church (South Norfolk). This church was first founded in Berkley before moving to the South Norfolk area of Chesapeake.
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