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Norfolk was founded in 1682, incorporating as a borough in 1736 and as a city in 1845. Its early growth was based on trade with the West Indies, as well as the shipment of products, such as tobacco, tar, and lumber, from the plantations in Virginia and North Carolina. During the American Revolution it suffered a British naval bombardment in January 1776, and was invaded and briefly occupied by British troops in May 1779. A disastrous fire in 1799 destroyed every building except Saint Paul’s Church, built in 1739. Rebuilt after the war, Norfolk became an important shipbuilding and maritime center. A severe epidemic of yellow fever in 1855, however, seriously retarded its development.

In May 1862 during the American Civil War, Norfolk was captured by Union forces. Its enormous military growth began during World War I (1914-1918). Because of federal defense cuts in the early 1990s, Norfolk lost some civilian federal and defense-related jobs, especially in the ship-repair industry. The city is named for Norfolk, England, the former home of early settler Adam Thoroughgood.

Norfolk covers a land area of 54 sq mi, with a mean elevation of 12 ft. Norfolk is a major seaport and an important military center, having one of the world’s largest concentrations of naval installations. An Armed Forces Staff College and the Atlantic headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are also located in the city. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is across the Elizabeth River, in Portsmouth. A network of railroads and highways converge on the Norfolk-Portsmouth Harbor, making it a leading grain-shipping point on the East Coast. The region also comprises one of the world’s largest coal-exporting ports. International trade, financial services, tourism, ship repair, and manufacturing are also important to the economy.

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