Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads

Hampton Roads is the name of both a body of water that serves as a wide channel for the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth rivers between Old Point Comfort and Sewell’s Point where the Chesapeake Bay flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding metropolitan region located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina portions of the Tidewater region. The area is home to hundreds of historical sites and attractions. The harbor was the key to Hampton Roads’ growth, both on land and in water-related activities and events. While the harbor and its tributaries were (and still are) important transportation conduits, at the same time they presented obstacles to land-based commerce and travel.