The enormous natural harbour of Hampton Roads--where the James, Elizabeth, and Nansemond Rivers flow together and on into the Chesapeake Bay--has played a crucial role in the discovery and settlement of the nation, the struggle for independence, and the conflict that nearly dissolved the Union. The port of Hampton Roads extends from Virginia Beach on the Atlantic Ocean west to Williamsburg. The economy and many sights and activities are closely linked to the water. For Virginians, the area surrounding this body of water is also referred to as "Hampton Roads." For some, the Virginia Peninsula cities of Newport News and Hampton on the north shore and Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Chesapeake on the south shore define the boundaries of Hampton Roads; for others, only the area south of the James River is included. To simplify things, State of Mine will use the latter definition.
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Norfolk
