Virginia Beach, Va.

Mayor:William D. Sessoms, Jr. (to Dec. 31, 2016) 2010 census population (rank):437,994 (39);Male:214,441 (49.0%);Female:223,553 (51.0%);White:296,670 (67.7%);Black:85,935 (19.6%);American Indian and Alaska Native:1,685 (0.4%);Asian:26,769 (6.1%);Other race:8,622 (2.0%);Two or more races:17,656 (4.0%);Hispanic/Latino:28,987 (6.6%).人口18岁以上:2010%76.0%;65 and over:10.6%;Median age:34.9. 2014 population estimate (rank):450,980 (40) Seeadditional census data Land area:248 sq mi. (642 sq km); Alt.:12 ft. Avg. daily temp.:Jan., 39.1° F; July, 78.2° F Churches:Protestant, 235; Catholic, 13; Jewish, 5; City-owned parks:208 (4,000+ ac.); Radio stations:AM 13; FM 31; Television stations:8 commercial; 1 PBS; 1 cable Civilian Labor Force (MSA) April 2015:838,6001; Unemployed (April 2015):42,3001, Percent (April 2015):5.01; Per capita personal income 2013:$31,934 Chamber of Commerce:Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 327, Norfolk, VA 23501 1. Virginia Beach–Norfolk–Newport News, Va.–N.C.

Virginia Beach, the most populous city inVirginia, is located in the southeast part of the state on the Atlantic coastline. It is independent and is not part of any county.

The first English settlers to set foot in America landed atCape Henryat the tip of Virginia Beach on April 29, 1607. They were led by Captain Christopher Newport and a rebelliousJohn Smith,who barely avoided execution at the hands of his fellow colonists. Newport and Smith would battle for control of the new settlement, known asJamestown, until Smith was forced back to England by the colonists two years later. The first permanent settlement within the city limits was made at Lynnhaven Bay in 1621. Cape Henry became an important port for British merchant ships calling on America, and it was here that the French fleet led byAdmiral Comte de Grasseblockaded the British fleet during theAmerican Revolution.

Virginia Beach gained its reputation as a famous vacation resort in the 19th century, following the building of a railroad connecting its oceanfront with Norfolk and the construction of its first hotel in 1883. Virginia Beach was incorporated as a town in 1906 and as a city in 1952. In 1963, Princess Anne County and Virginia Beach merged.

Tourism is a mainstay of the economy; more than 3 million people visit Virginia Beach each year. Virginia Beach's economy is also supported by four military bases and diverse industries, including agriculture, computer software, engineering, and technical services.

See alsoEncyclopedia:Virginia Beach.

Selected famous natives and residents:

• V. C. Andrewsnovelist;
• 雷蒙德·布莱恩·巴克兰occult writer;
• Edgar Caycepsychic;
• Ann Woodruff Comptonnews correspondent;
• D. J. Dozierfootball and baseball player;
• George Eastmaninventor;
• Scott McKenziesinger;
• Juice Newtonsinger;
• Kenneth S. Reightler, Jr.astronaut;
• Pat Robertsonevangelist;
• Grace Sherwoodaccused witch;
• Henry Walkenaval officer;
• Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitakerboxer;
• Skip Wilkinswheelchair athlete.