Downtown in Norfolk, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk

Photographed by Laura Troy, November 4, 2007

1. Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk Marker

Inscription. Tidal flooding from hurricanes and northeasters has always been a part of Norfolk’s relationship with the sea. In 1693, the Royal Society of London reported that “there happened a most violent storm in Virginia, which stopped the course of ancient channels and made some where there never were any.” Hurricanes in 1749 and 1806 formed the Willoughby Spit section of Ocean View, and a hurricane in August 1933 killed 18 people. In March 1962, the City was struck bye the “Ash Wednesday Storm,” a massive, slow-moving northeaster which caused widespread destruction along the entire east coast. By the early 1970’s, permanent flood protection for downtown was constructed.

This storm water pump station and the adjacent floodwalls protect the low-lying areas of downtown from tidal flooding. Large steel doors at various point allow passage through the wall, but are periodically closed when tidal flooding is anticipated. Beneath City Hall Avenue, which was once a canal, is a large box culvert that collects storm water runoff from the downtown area. The box culvert carries storm water to a “sump” or pit beneath the pump station, where trash and debris are removed before pumping the water into the river.

Erected by City of Norfolk.

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Norfolk Heritage Cannonball Trail series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1962.

Location. 36° 50.812′ N, 76° 17.627′ W. Marker is in Norfolk, Virginia. It is in Downtown. It is on Boush Street north of W Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norfolk VA 23510, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads,

specifically in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Cedar (within shouting distance of this marker); Half Moone Fort, 1673 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cannonball Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Surveying the Land & Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Armed Forces Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battleship Wisconsin: Berthed in Norfolk, (about 300 feet away); Battleship Wisconsin: BB-9 and BB-64 (about 300 feet away); Battleship Wisconsin: A Floating Fortress (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norfolk.

More about this marker. This marker is part

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of the Norfolk Heritage Cannonball Trail

Regarding Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk. Although this may protect Norfolk from tidal flooding, Norfolk tends to flood whenever there are heavy rains.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,871 times since then and 31 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on November 6, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.