Chesapeake, in southeastern Virginia, was created in 1963 when
Norfolk County and the city of South
Norfolk merged. It is in the
Central Region of the state. Nine miles of industrial and waterfront property line the southern branch of the Elizabeth River in the. Stretching south from Chesapeake are two separate branches of the Intracoastal Waterway, providing boaters with two scenic routes to Florida. Next to Great Bridge Locks, through which the waterway passes, is the Great Bridge Locks Park, containing an observation deck, boat ramp, nature trail and picnic facilities. Northwest River Park has a fragrance garden for the blind and facilities for horseback riding and canoeing. The Dismal Swamp is nearby. Chesapeake is part of the
Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News metro area.
