“A cultural landscape is the visible imprint of human activity and culture on the landscape.” Carl Sauer
The cultural landscape along Norfolk’s Elizabeth River is as diverse as its people. The shoreline along the main stem includes military and residential landscapes, as well as industrial and commercial. The downtown waterfront, redeveloped in the 1990s, is the main public attraction along the Elizabeth and offers the best opportunity for access.
Naval Station Norfolk.
The northern part of the Elizabeth River, just as it connects with the Chesapeake Bay, is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world. The base, along with the Port of Virginia, covers almost four miles of Norfolk’s ten-mile shoreline and is home to 75 ships, 134 aircraft and 14 piers. Like most military bases, there is limited access to civilians. Those with access to the base are treated to open water views of battleships and the daily activity of sailors and contractors.
Norfolk Southern Railroad at Lambert’s Point.
Industry
Norfolk evolved and prospered during the Industrial Revolution. The economy of Norfolk, especially industry and shipbuilding, was dependent upon the Elizabeth River.
There are still pockets of post-industrial land along the river. Front Street, just south of the historic Fort Norfolk, was once home to prosperous cotton warehouses and seafood industries. Today, it houses an empty parking lot and a few abandoned buildings.
However, there are signs of continued waterfront renewal as condos and townhouses pop up in vacant industrial facilities and warehouses.
Norfolk Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) helped to connect Norfolk nationally and globally. Today, the historic piers and railroad tracks continue to contribute to Norfolk’s economy. The railroad owns and operates tracks and piers along one and a half miles of the Elizabeth River just north of downtown.
Craney Island
Framing the entrance to the river on its Portsmouth side is a historic island used for dumping dredge from the river channels. The original island was of special significance in the war of 1812 during the Battle of Craney Island. There is no access to the island but it can be seen from the Monitor Merrimac Bridge and from the Norfolk side of the river.
Residential
Like most waterfront property, the majority of homes along the Elizabeth River come at a higher cost than those inland. The main neighborhoods are Lochaven, Larchmont and Edgewater. These suburban homes south of Norfolk Naval Base are primarily single-family homes on large lots with landscaped yards. Some are gated with private docks and boats. Public access to the river is rare, however locals take advantage of the hidden neighborhood beaches.
Neighborhoods closer to downtown are more compact. Condos and apartments often pocket historic homes. River views for the public are rare within the neighborhood itself, however, some of the dead end roads offer public sidewalks, benches and landscaped paths along the waterfront.
Paddleboarding on the Elizabeth River.
Recreation
Old Dominion University operates a sailing center and small beach area along the Elizabeth River. The Lambert’s Point Golf Course, a nine-hole course built on top of an old landfill, overlooks the river directly behind the university. Future plans for this area include a 35,000-seat football stadium.
The USS Wisconsin.
Downtown
The Elizabeth River downtown is unlike many river cities today as it is still used for industry and shipping. Large ships and ship repair facilities, as well as ferries and sailboats, are all part of the visible landscape.
In the 1980s, Norfolk capitalized on its waterfront location with the development of Waterside Marketplace. The marketplace was a tourist and shopping attraction before falling into decline in the 1990s. In 2013, the city partnered with the Cordish Company to convert the area into Waterside Live, a new entertainment and dining district. Waterside Live is expected to open in Summer 2016.
One of the more popular downtown attractions is Nauticus, a contemporary maritime museum. The USS Wisconsin, a decommissioned Navy battleship, is part of Nauticus and is used as a museum ship. Nauticus is an integral part of Norfolk’s connection with the Elizabeth River.
Parks include Town Point Park and Harbor Park. Town Point Park is an eight-acre green space on the Elizabeth River and hosts numerous festivals. Harbor Park is a baseball stadium and home to the Norfolk Tides, a minor league team.
The Elizabeth River 