Hampton Roads and Four Centuries as a World's Seaport

A study of Hampton Roads, a seaport where the USA's history started, the port known from Singapore to Rotterdam, from Buenos Aires to Sydney, for ships and seamen. It describes events and people, from the first Europeans seeking gold or a way to Cathay, to modern ships bound for foreign ports.

---

This is a study of a special seaport, where the USA's history started nearly four centuries ago, the port known from Singapore to Rotterdam, from Buenos Aires to Sydney, for ships and seamen. It is Hampton Roads, Henry Wriothesley, the Earl of Southampton's roadstead. It occupies 25 miles of salted Virginia water just west of the southern end of one of the world's largest estuaries, Chesapeake Bay. This text provides an overview of the port, describing a number of events and people, from the first Europeans venturing into the great water seeking gold or a way to Cathay, to modern tugs, barges, and nuclear carriers leaving for destinations around the world.