Chesapeake

Chesapeake (ches'upēk") [key], city (1990 pop. 151,976), formed independently by the merging of the city of South Norfolk and Norfolk co., SE Va.; inc. 1963. Within its vast area are residential sections; much farmland, with related agricultural industries; and a large part of the Great Dismal Swamp. The large variety of products includes machinery, feeds, dairy products, chemicals, furniture, construction materials, and computer equipment. The Battle of Great Bridge was fought (1775) in Chesapeake. The Dismal Swamp Canal was completed in 1822.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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