In his 1680 survey of the site that was to become the Town of Norfolk, Lower Norfolk County surveyor John Ferebee laid out the principal street along a ridge of high land extending from Foure Farthing Pointe (Town Point Park) to Dun-in-the-Mire (Harbor Park). Originally called Front Street, it is now Main Street. The first house was built by mariner Peter Smith in 1683 on a lot at the southwest corner of Main Street and Market Place. The country courthouse was located on the north side of the street in 1694. Main Street today follows its original corridor. The street was widened in 1782, trolley cars were introduced in 1894, and Belgian block paving was installed in 1897. Throughout its history, Main Street has been the center of community activities in Norfolk. Following a period of decline and the "Honky Tonk" era of World War II, the redevelopment of the 1960's through the 1990's has returned Main Street to its traditional role as the economic heart of the city.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Norfolk, VA  |  23510  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

The Customhouse, 1859
Granby Street
Four Farthing or Town Point
Norfolk 1682
Col. Samuel Leroy Slover (1873-1959)
Flood Protection for Downtown Norfolk
The First Battle of Ironclad Ships, 1862
Town Back Creek and Stone Bridge
Margaret Douglass
Monticello Hotel, 1898

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.