VA USGenWeb Archives

Norfolk County originally encompassed all of what we now know as the cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake.

Norfolk Towne was established in 1682, was erected into a borough or incorporated as a town in then incorporated as a city in 1846, became a city of first class in 1902 and annexed Berkley in 1906.

Portsmouth was established as a town in 1752, incorporated as a town in 1836, incorporated as a city in 1858 and became a city of first class in 1902.

South Norfolk in Norfolk County was established as a town in 1890 and as a city in 1921.

Virginia Beach in Princess Anne County was incorporated as a town in 1906 and became a city in 1952. The City of Virginia Beach was greatly enlarged by consolidation with Princess Anne County.

Chesapeake formed in 1963 by a merger of the former Norfolk County and of the former City of South Norfolk.

At this time Norfolk County is defunct, but most court records for the old county will be located at the Chesapeake Court House. In the year when Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Norfolk became cities, their official documents then became located in their new court houses.