A Brief History of Norfolk, VA

In 1619, the Governor for the Virginia Colony, Sir George Yeardley established 4 incorporations, termed cities for the developed portion of the colony. These cities were to form the basis for the government of the colony in the newly minted House of Burgesses, with the entire Hampton Roads region falling under the Elizabeth Cittie incorporation. In 1622, Adam Thoroughgood of King's Lynn Norfolk, England, became one of the earliest Englishmen to settle in the area that was to become South Hampton Roads when, at the age of 18, he became an indentured servant to pay passage to the Virginia Colony. After his period of contracted servitude was finished, he earned his freedom and soon became a leading citizen of the fledgling colony.