Merge town buildings pictures3/12/2023 ![]() Fierce opposition from Norfolk was also encountered because of the proposed new name, the City of Hampton Roads. In 1950 a five-way consolidation was tried with the nearby city of Hampton, the town of Phoebus and the counties of Warwick and Elizabeth City, but failed by reason of an adverse Hampton vote. In an effort to bring governmental change, several efforts at consolidation were attempted. As we celebrate the golden anniversary of consolidation in 2008, Newport News is indeed not only a “great city,” but a city in which people thrive – a highly desirable place to live, learn, work and raise a family (and a place in which “a man or woman could grow old”). Out of our glorious past has come a bright and promising future. This political union of two distinct communities resulted in a new city that realized the fulfillment of the words of both Mr. Ferguson continued in this vein, predicting “a future that will find Newport News the best city in the world in which a man or woman could grow old.”Īnd so it was that in 1958 we saw the merger of Warwick and Newport News. Yes, Newport News will become a great city because its citizens have the ability and the determination to accomplish their objectives.” ![]() More important are the elements of cultural and educational advantages, the ability of citizens to live together in peace and harmony, to rear their children in a proper environment, and the privilege of working for whom they please. Biggins goes on to say “but the area of the city and its population is not necessarily the yardstick by which a city is measured. Substandard housing in the city must give way to modern housing, leaving open spaces for light, air and recreation.” Our waterfront facilities, now owned exclusively by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company will be supplemented by additional private or publicly owned facilities for the development of ocean commerce though this port. Physical connection with Norfolk in the form of a bridge or tunnel is not unlikely. Air transportation facilities for the entire Lower Peninsula will undoubtedly be established. In the not too distant future, it would not be unreasonable to expect a successful consolidation of portions of Warwick and Elizabeth City Counties with Newport News, thereby affecting many advantages and increasing the land area and population of the city. Biggins projected, “I am of the opinion that this community will ultimately become a great city. Those projections, now some 60 years later, provide us with insight into the vision and hope that our forefathers had for this great city.Ĭity Manager Joseph C. For the historical record, local leaders of the time were asked to project what they anticipated lay ahead for the city in the next century. History tells us that in 1946, just 12 years before the merger of Newport News and Warwick, the city of Newport News (founded in 1896) celebrated its 50th anniversary or what was called at that time its Golden Jubilee. In commemorating this anniversary we pay tribute to the many farsighted individuals who built this city and worked to ensure that it would flourish. As I reflect, I see a rich history defined by the extraordinary leadership, hard-work, and vision of men and women from both Warwick and Newport News who believed in a bright future for their children and their children’s children. Today, I am proud to join with you in celebrating this important milestone in the growth and development of Newport News. It was 50 years ago that Warwick and Newport News merged to give birth to a new city. Newport News Celebrates 50 Years of Consolidation 1958-2008
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