Newport News has plenty to offer to its residents and tourists alike. But before you fly down to this beautiful city to witness its glory in person, it is wise to check out some facts about the city. These are little tidbits that make Newport News just a bit more exciting and interesting. So, here are a few interesting facts on Newport News-
Image By Tony Alter from Newport News, USA (The James River Draw Bridge) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Newport News is situated on the southwestern tip of Virginia Peninsula, along the north side of James River.
- It is an independent city located in Virginia, United States.
- It is included in the Hampton Roads Metro Area.
- It is the 5th most populous city in the state.
- It covers 62 square miles of area.
- The ethnic composition of Newport News include White-49.0%, African American-40.7%, Native American-0.5%, Asian-2.7%, Pacific Islander-0.2%, from other races-2.7%, and two or more races-4.3%.
- In the 1600s, English explorers and settlers settled in the regions neighboring to the Hampton Roads.
- The area of Newport News in 1619 became the part of one of the four large corporations of the Virginia Company of London, and since then, it was referred as Elizabeth Cittie.
- Newport News was first settled in 1621.
- In 1886, Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company was formed.
- In 1890, Newport News was the terminus of Ohio and Chesapeake Railway.
- In 1896, Newport News was formally incorporated as a city.
- During the Civil War, the city played a significant role in the Peninsula Campaign.
- The U.S. Army labeled Newport News as a “Port of Embarkation”, after the entry of U.S. into the World War II.
- Newport News follows council-manager type of government.
- It is an independent city with services that cities as well as counties in Virginia offer, like a court system, social service and so on.
- The major industries in Newport News are military, shipbuilding and aerospace.
- Newport News is also home to several U.S. defensive industry suppliers.
- Education and research play a key role in the economy of Newport News.
- Newport News is home to sports franchises that include the Virginia Crusaders, Peninsula Poseidon and the Mason Dixon League's Peninsula Pirates.
- “Daily Press” is the daily newspaper of Newport News.
