New Norfolk County, Virginia facts for kids

New Norfolk County was a place in early Virginia that doesn't exist anymore. It was a "county" (like a big area of land) that was part of the English colony of Virginia a long, long time ago, from 1636 to 1637.

What Was New Norfolk County?

New Norfolk County was created in 1636. It was formed from a much older area called Elizabeth City Shire. A "shire" was one of the first eight big land areas (or counties) that the King of England set up in Virginia in 1634. New Norfolk County covered all the land that is now part of five independent cities in a region called South Hampton Roads.

Splitting Up: Upper and Lower Norfolk

Just one year later, in 1637, New Norfolk County was divided into two smaller counties: Upper Norfolk County and Lower Norfolk County.

The Story of Upper Norfolk County

Upper Norfolk County changed its name to Nansemond County in 1646. This county later became the independent city of Nansemond in 1972. Then, in 1974, it joined with the city of Suffolk. The new, combined city decided to keep the name Suffolk.

The Story of Lower Norfolk County

In 1691, Lower Norfolk County was also divided. It was split into two new counties: Norfolk County and Princess Anne County.

Modern Cities: Chesapeake and Virginia Beach

In 1963, some big changes happened. The people living in the City of South Norfolk and the rest of Norfolk County voted to combine. The Virginia General Assembly (which is like Virginia's state government) also approved this. They joined together to form a brand new city. The voters chose the name Chesapeake, and that's how the city of Chesapeake, Virginia was created. This helped stop other cities from trying to take parts of their land.

Also in 1963, something similar happened. The people in the City of Virginia Beach and the rest of Princess Anne County voted to join forces. The Virginia General Assembly also agreed. They combined to form one large independent city, keeping the well-known name of Virginia Beach.