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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Downtown in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Main Street

 
 
Main Street Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 10, 2010
1. Main Street Marker
Inscription. In his 1680 survey of the site that was to become the Town of Norfolk, Lower Norfolk County surveyor John Ferebee laid out the principal street along a ridge of high land extending from Foure Farthing Pointe (Town Point Park) to Dun-in-the-Mire (Harbor Park). Originally called Front Street, it is now Main Street. The first house was built by mariner Peter Smith in 1683 on a lot at the southwest corner of Main Street and Market Place. The country courthouse was located on the north side of the street in 1694. Main Street today follows its original corridor. The street was widened in 1782, trolley cars were introduced in 1894, and Belgian block paving was installed in 1897. Throughout its history, Main Street has been the center of community activities in Norfolk. Following a period of decline and the "Honky Tonk" era of World War II, the redevelopment of the 1960's through the 1990's has returned Main Street to its traditional role as the economic heart of the city.
 
Erected by City of Norfolk.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1680.
 
Location. 36° 50.755′ N, 76° 17.49′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street
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and Martins Lane, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street. Marker is mounted on the wall of the Shula building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 E Main Street, Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Customhouse, 1859 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Granby Street (about 400 feet away); Four Farthing or Town Point (about 400 feet away); Norfolk 1682 (about 600 feet away); Col. Samuel Leroy Slover (about 600 feet away); Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk (about 800 feet away); The First Battle of Ironclad Ships, 1862 (about 800 feet away); Town Back Creek and Stone Bridge (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.
 
Main Street Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, August 10, 2010
2. Main Street Marker
<i>Main Street, Norfolk, Va.</i> image. Click for full size.
circa 1905
3. Main Street, Norfolk, Va.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on October 13, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.   3. submitted on October 7, 2015. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 19, 2024