Overview & Fun Facts
How Did Newport News Get its Name?
No one knows for sure where Newport News got its name, but "Newportes
Newes" first appears in the Virginia Company records in 1619, making it one of the oldest place names in the New World. The most widely accepted folktale is that our city is the namesake of Captain Christopher Newport, commander of Susan Constant, which was the flagship of the three-ship English fleet that landed at Jamestown in 1607. He made several voyages to Newport News in the early days of the Jamestown Colony, bringing "good news" of supplies and settlers.
Take a virtual tour of the Newport News Timeline
Historical Overview
Newport News, settled in 1621, is approximately 23 miles long and three miles wide. It is the fourth largest city in size in the state, with its boundaries encompassing 69 square miles. Newport News has a population of 186,247 people (2020 Census Bureau). Newport News played a major role in the Peninsula Campaign during the Civil War. Numerous earthen fortifications and attractions that relate to the Civil War can be experienced in Newport News. In addition, the famous "Battle of the Ironclads" took place off the shores of Newport News in 1862.
Collis P. Huntington, a Northern railroad tycoon from Connecticut, brought two magnet industries to Newport News: the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad and Newport News Shipbuilding. Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, established in 1886, built many of the U.S. super aircraft carriers including the Enterprise, Kennedy, Washington, Vinson, and Roosevelt.
Newport News was designated as a Port of Embarkation by the U.S. Army immediately after America's entry into WWI. The final major military base during WWI was Camp Eustis, which later came to be known as Fort Eustis. Named after the founder of Fort Monroe's Artillery School of Practice (and War of 1812 veteran), Brigadier General Abraham Eustis, the camp was created in 1918 to meet the need for an artillery firing range.
Hilton Village, the first government-subsidized "planned community" was constructed as a pilot program due to the shortage of housing related to the war effort. Hilton Village was dedicated on July 7, 1918.
How's the Weather in Newport News?
Here in Newport News, we experience all four seasons. The summer temperatures average in the mid-80s: perfect for sunning, swimming, boating, and fishing. Fall's pleasant temperatures average in the mid-60s: ideal weather for viewing our fall foliage while cruising the James River, hiking along one of our many trails, or canoeing on one of our lakes. In the winter, our average annual snowfall is less than two inches, so do not expect too many sleigh rides. Spring brings some showers for our blooming flowers; therefore, expect a little less than four inches of rainfall as the average per month.
Hometown Celebrities
Newport News is proud to celebrate the many remarkable artists, innovators, athletes, and performers who have hailed from our city—figures whose talents have influenced culture locally and across the globe. We begin with our most iconic star:
Ella Jane Fitzgerald (b. April 25, 1917) – Known as the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald is one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of all time. Newport News honored her legacy in 2017 with the Ella Fitzgerald Centennial Celebration and continues with its annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Festival.
Arts, Literature & Entertainment
- Pearl Mae Bailey (b. March 29, 1918) – Tony Award–winning actress and singer with a long and illustrious Broadway and film career.
- John L. “Johnny” Gilbert III (b. July 13, 1924) – Television personality and longtime announcer of Jeopardy!
- William Styron (b. June 11, 1925) – Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist, author of The Confessions of Nat Turner and Sophie’s Choice.
- Ava Gardner – Moved to Newport News at age 13 and attended school here before rising to international Hollywood fame as a singer and actress.
- Joyce Bulifant (b. December 16, 1937) – Actress known for roles in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Perry Mason, The Bill Cosby Show, and numerous Broadway performances.
- Frankie Faison (b. June 10, 1949) – Actor recognized for roles in the Hannibal Lecter films and multiple television series.
- Austin Roberts – Singer-songwriter known for iconic Hanna-Barbera cartoon themes, including Josie and the Pussycatsand Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?
- The Five Keys – Influential 1950s R&B group, three of whose members hailed from Newport News.
- Lutrelle “Pete” Horne (b. March 25, 1935) – Emmy Award–winning producer associated with Sesame Street.
- Michael L. Maguire (b. February 20, 1955) – Tony Award–winning actor best known for portraying Enjolras in Broadway’s Les Misérables.
- Mark Gordon (b. October 10, 1956) – Acclaimed producer behind Saving Private Ryan, The Day After Tomorrow, The Patriot, Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and more; former president of the Producers Guild of America.
Science & Innovation
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Katherine G. Johnson – Mathematician whose pioneering calculations were vital to early U.S. crewed spaceflight. She lived in the region during her career with NACA/NASA at Langley, and her contributions to America’s space program were later highlighted in Hidden Figures.
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Dorothy Vaughan– Mathematician and trailblazing supervisor at NACA/NASA’s West Area Computing unit at Langley. A leader in early aerospace computation and an advocate for women in STEM, she was also featured in Hidden Figures for her groundbreaking work.
Athletics
- Marvin Leroy Keyes (b. February 18, 1947) – NFL running back and safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
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Tommy Reamon (born March 12, 1952) — Drafted in 1974 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, he went on to stardom in the WFL and was named the league MVP in 1975. A year later, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Willie Armstead (b. April 10, 1952) – CFL slotback and wide receiver for the Calgary Stampeders.
- Mike Tomlin – Pittsburgh Steelers head coach; youngest coach to win a Super Bowl (XLIII).
- Aaron Lafette Brooks (born March 24, 1976) — NFL quarterback drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He went on to play for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, retiring in 2007 as the Saints’ franchise leader in touchdown passes.
- David Thurman Macklin (born July 14, 1978) — NFL cornerback who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft and later played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Michael Vick (b. June 26, 1980) – Former NFL quarterback who began his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Marques Hagans (b. December 29, 1982) – NFL wide receiver for the Washington Redskins and St. Louis Rams.
- Nick “The Goat” Thompson (b. June 23, 1981) – Mixed martial artist who has competed in Ultimate Fighting Championship and Bodog Fight.
- Darryl Blackstock (b. May 30, 1983) – NFL linebacker known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Olympic Excellence
- Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas (b. December 31, 1995) –first African American gymnast to win the Olympic all‑around gold medal (2012) and a two‑time Olympic team champion (2012, 2016).
Major Corporations
Newport News Shipbuilding
Canon Virginia Inc.
Jefferson Lab
Ferguson