Port Norfolk is a turn-of-the-century neighborhood in
Portsmouth, Virginia. Located on the southern shore of
the Elizabeth River between Hull Creek and Pinners
Point, it is at the eastern terminus of the present-day
Western Freeway, Virginia Route 164.
In 1890 Mr. Alex Skeeter sold his farm to Mr. Milton
Mason of Ohio who, in partnership with a real estate
syndicate there, developed Port Norfolk. To promote the
new community a contest to name it was held and twelve
lots were given away. Houses went up rapidly and with
the street car connection from Portsmouth in 1893 the
area became a popular resort location.
A flier for the 1893 International Naval Rendezvous
in Norfolk promotes Port Norfolk as follows:
You Cannot Afford to Leave the City Until You
Have Seen Port Norfolk. Fare is only 15 cents
round trip. No finer view of the harbor can be
had from any point than from Port Norfolk and
no one can afford to miss a trip, which
promises so rich a return.
The new Rapid Transit Line is now in
operation between Portsmouth and Port Norfolk,
and those seeking a place for residence or
investment are asked to visit this charming
spot. The popularity of Port Norfolk is
evinced by the fact that it is weekly visited
by thousands of people who go for pleasure and
recreation, eager to avail themselves of its
fresh, wholesome air, its splendid view of the
harbor, and its countless natural charms. It
is conceded by all visitors to be the
“Gem of the Harbor”.
A few rare bargains which you should inquire
into, besides desirable lots 40x140 feet, in
the midst of a growing settlement, which we
offer at $250 to $400 each. We have 2 ½
acres of suburban property, street car
connections with city, near railway, and not
more than three blocks from a new factory. One
hundred houses are now needed at Port Norfolk
to supply the present demand. The new
furniture factory will require houses for at
least fifty employees.
If you want an ideal home in an ideal suburb,
with all the conveniences of street cars and
the fluent marine view on the harbor, build in
Port Norfolk. It is the only situation on the
inner harbor that commands a view of Hampton
Roads. It is high and well drained. The soil
is sandy and no surface water to mar the
health or comfort of the place.
If you want to enjoy life, live at Port
Norfolk. Fine fishing, bathing, and boating.
The new Chesapeake Hotel at Port Norfolk is
“a thing of beauty”. Port Norfolk
will have the finest parks on the Atlantic
coast. It is admirably situated for business,
within easy access of the terminus of nine
great railroads.
The area was advertised as a boating, fishing and
swimming destination. A hotel, two piers, a bathhouse,
gas lamps, and wooden sidewalks enticed visitors to the
resort area. It is estimated that 80 percent of the
homes were built between 1895 and 1920.
The prevailing building style was vernacular Victorian
with modified versions of Queen Anne, American Four
Square, Colonial Revival, and Arts and Crafts styles. The
Queen Anne is easily recognizable with its expansive wraparound porches, irregular
roof lines, bays and turrets; the Four Square has a
cubic shaped, hipped roof, dormers, a broad front porch,
little use of ornament, and generally is built with wood and brick; and
the Arts and Crafts style can be identified by the low roof with
wide eaves. Porches or verandas are often decorated as
carefully as indoor rooms and enjoyed as outdoor
sitting areas.
We hope you enjoy what you see here and pay us a
visit.