Hampton

Hampton traces its origins to Old Point Comfort, the site of Fort Monroe, named by English explorers led by Christopher Newport in 1607 during the founding of Jamestown. Following the American Civil War, Hampton University was established on the opposite bank of the Hampton River to educate newly freed African Americans and local Native Americans. In the 20th century, the city became home to Langley Air Force Base, NASA's Langley Research Center, and the Virginia Air and Space Science Center.

Since consolidation by a mutual agreement in 1952, Hampton has included the former Elizabeth City County and the incorporated town of Phoebus. The city features a wide array of business and industrial enterprises, retail and residential areas, historical sites, and other points of interest, such as a NASCAR short track, the oldest Anglican parish in the Americas (1610), and a moated, six-sided, historical bastion fort. Hampton is also known for its extensive waterfront and beaches.