The coastal cities of Hampton and Newport News in Virginia are home to many businesses and industries. This region is a major shipping port, and houses many companies involved in the defense industry, shipbuilding, railroading, and scientific research. Many people choose to live in the area for the beautiful beaches and the mild weather. Residents can also find employment in the maritime industry, as many of these industries are located in the area. Several major corporations are headquartered in the area, including Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin.
The city’s “sea to the stars” motto is well-earned. Several important milestones in the history of the United States have been accomplished in Hampton, including the sending of the first man to the moon. The city’s NACA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) research center, located at Langley Research Center, was the first headquarters for the manned moon missions. Several original astronauts hail from Hampton and Newport News, and this region is well-known for its proximity to the ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and Elizabeth River.
The city’s history goes back to the days when Jamestown was founded in 1607. The city is situated on the banks of the Hampton Roads harbor on the James River. The waterfront stretches to Newport News Point. The town was once part of Warwick County, one of the eight original shires of Virginia. It was incorporated by the House of Burgesses in 1634. This city is a great location for a vacation because it is centrally located in Coastal Virginia.
Currently, the economy of the area revolves around aerospace, shipbuilding, and military industries. Huntington Ingalls Industries owns a shipbuilding company called Newport News Shipbuilding. CSX Transportation, a modern successor to the C&O Railway, supplies large coal piers in the area. Several major highways pass through the region, and the James River Bridge and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel provide access to other cities in the Hampton Roads.
Pretrial placements in the region have remained relatively steady over several years. In FY2000, the courts in Hampton and Newport News placed 1,315 defendants under PTS supervision. This number represents less than 8% of all defendants admitted to jail awaiting trial. The percentage of felony placements in Hampton and Newport News has remained stable over the years. While this trend may be partially attributed to bail reform, there are still significant numbers of defendants available at pretrial in both counties.
For those who are interested in the local government, the PEG channel (Public Enterprise Group) of the city, Newport News Television, airs on Cox 48 and Verizon 19, as well as on YouTube. The station features local events and things to do in the area. Live coverage of Planning Commission meetings and City Council Meetings is a common feature on Newport News television2, and the local newspaper, The Daily Press, also publishes the James River Journal and Port Folio Weekly.
Psychiatrists in Hampton and Newport News, Virginia, work with Fortify to share critical health information, develop pediatric best practices, and follow children through their entire lifespan. The Fortify partnership with local pediatricians allows them to provide complete health care for every child, from infants to teens. They can work with other providers and follow a child through his or her lifetime, resulting in more informed and efficient health care.