who knew?

Hampton Roads Magazine published Sourcebook 2005, ‘a complete resource to Hampton Roads.' This publication informed readers about ‘everything’ in our great area. Hampton Roads is home to:

Largest city in VA by population: Virginia Beach – 439,467

Largest city in VA by land mass: Suffolk – 430 square miles

World’s largest naval base: Naval Station Norfolk

One of seven engineering wonders of the modern world: Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Birthplace of the nation: Jamestown

Nine local television stations, 35 local FM radio stations, 20 AM stations, and 21 local newspapers

21 hospitals, 43 museums, and 21 colleges and universities

Focusing on the Eastern Shore, the authors wrote about ‘small towns to visit’ [page 61]. Here’s what they said about Chincoteague:
Throngs of visitors descend on Chincoteague’s resort village each July for the annual Pony Swim and Auction. Business stands still for two days mid-week as ponies are corralled on Assateague Island and herded across a narrow channel to Chincoteague Island. Many people take of work or close up shop to spend time from at this carnival-like event. Buyers come from all over the country to bid on the trainable horses, many for use as children’s mounts. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, which owns the herd. The firemen hold a fair every weekend in July leading up to the swim and for two weekend afterward.