VIRGINIA BEACH

independent city, southeastern Virginia, U.S., on the Atlantic coast and Chesapeake Bay, adjacent to the cities of Norfolk and Chesapeake in the Hampton Roads region. The city extends 28 miles (45 km) southward from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay to the North Carolina border, covering 302 square miles (782 square km) of land and water, with 28 miles (45 km) of ocean front. Back Bay is a brackish lagoon and a national wildlife refuge that occupies about 39 square miles (101 square km) and parallels the ocean at the south end of the city. Founded in 1887, Virginia Beach developed as a resort following construction of a hotel and a railroad linking it with Norfolk. After World War I it became an important base in the national coastal-defense system. In 1963 Virginia Beach and the former Princess Anne county merged as the City of Virginia Beach. The city's economy is based on tourism, military installations (Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Oceana Naval Air Station, the Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic at Dam Neck, and Fort Story), agriculture (grains, vegetables, and dairy products), and diversified manufactures. Virginia Wesleyan College (1966), which is headquartered in Norfolk, straddles the city boundary. Six miles (10 km) north of Virginia Beach is Cape Henry, situated at the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. A memorial there, which is part of Colonial National Historical Park, marks the first landing (1607) of the Jamestown colonists. Nearby are the Cape Henry Lights, the old (179192) and new (187981) lighthouses, situated northeast of the site of Fort Story. The restored Adam Thoroughgood House (c. 1680), among the oldest surviving homes in the country, was built by one of Virginia's first settlers. Facilities for water recreation and fishing are available from the city's boardwalks, bays, and beaches. Virginia Beach is known for seafood. Inc. town, 1906; city, 1952. Pop. (1990) city, 393,089; NorfolkVirginia BeachNewport News MSA, 1,444,710; (1998 est.) city, 432,380; (1996 est.) NorfolkVirginia BeachNewport News MSA, 1,540,252.