Chesapeake was organized by a voter referendum in 1963, although parts of the area date back to 1691 as former Norfolk County. The Chesapeake region was among the first areas settled in the state's colonial era due to its location on the coast. In the early days of the American Revolutionary War, The Battle of Great Bridge was fought in Chesapeake in 1775, which resulted in the removal of all vestiges of the English Government from Virginia. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the city of Chesapeake saw significant growth, attracting many industries and businesses to the area. Many of these businesses were set up with a focus on supporting the local navy and air force bases.

After you buy your Chesapeake VA house, you’ll want to get out and explore the area.

Chesapeake is a nature lover’s and sportsman’s paradise. The extensive National Wildlife Refuge, the Elizabeth River, the Intracoastal Waterway, Chesapeake Park and the Chesapeake Arboretum provide many beautiful trails and plenty of boating and fishing opportunities. Residents can also participate in activities such as kayaking, hiking, biking, bird watching and picnicking.

Created in 1974, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 200 species of bird, black bears, bobcats and otters. The Dismal Swamp Canal runs on the eastern border of the refuge. In service for over 230 years, it is the oldest continuously used man-made canal in the country. Fishermen, sightseers and boaters will love the ancient freshwater of Lake Drummond.

The magnificent 19-acre Great Bridge Lock Park sits on a small peninsula at the junction of the Elizabeth River and the Intracoastal Waterway. The lock was constructed to prevent salt and fresh water from the two waterways mixing. This is the best spot to watch yachts as they travel between Maine and Florida, and fishing and crabbing are fun activities in the park.

Created as a monument to honor the memory of the Battle of Great Bridge during the American Revolution is the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterways Historical Park and Museum. The museum contains a permanent gallery, a dynamic exhibit gallery and an auditorium accommodating 100 people.

Chesapeake Park has 60 acres of grassy open space and 30 acres of leafy woodland and trees. There is also a three-quarter mile walking trail loop to enjoy the park’s natural beauty, plus a skate park for the kids, a dog park, horseshoe pits, volleyball and basketball courts, a picnic shelter with BBQs and an outdoor fitness area for exercise enthusiasts.

The Chesapeake Arboretum is a 48 acre park with an original 18th century farmhouse. Themed gardens extend across the property including a fragrance garden, a rose garden and a hardwood forest.

Virginia’s tallest bridge, the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, offers sweeping, panoramic views from its soaring architectural curves. At 5,372 feet, the bridge is the gateway to the city from Portsmouth, Virginia. Since the Jordan Bridge opened in 1928, two tunnels and two further bridges have been added to the Elizabeth River Corridor to accommodate the needs of the growing population and military.

At Oak Grove Lake Park there are 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along a trail, providing a mixture of panoramic lake views as well as forested areas and wildlife. Fishing for largemouth bass and channel catfish is a popular recreational activity.

Northwest River Park is a 763 acre park on the banks of the Northwest River in the southeastern area of the city. The park is the perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, providing year-round boating, fishing and hiking.