Norfolk

Norfolk, a city and port of entry of Virginia, on the right bank of the Elizabeth River, 8 miles from Hampton Roads, and 33 miles from the ocean. The city is irregularly built on low ground, and contains a city hall, mechanics' and masonic halls, custom-house, military academy, and Catholic seminary. Its large deep harbour is defended by Fort Calhoun and Fortress Monroe. A government navy yard, dry-dock, and hospital are at Gosport, a naval suburb of Portsmouth, on the opposite bank of the river. Norfolk ships considerable quantities of cotton, oysters, and early fruits and vegetables; lines of steamers connect it with New York and other cities, and three canals end here. The town was burned by the British in 1776. For the engagement between the Merrimac and the Monitor, fought off Norfolk, see NAVY. Pop. (1880) 21,966; (1890) 34,871.