Historic

Chesapeake's abundant history provides many venues for residents and visitors to learn and experience how the city has evolved through time. The Battle of Great Bridge is a living history event each December to commemorate the victory with reenactors and demonstrations. A Great Bridge Battlefield Visitor Center and Park is located near the site of this Revolutionary War battle, with the park is currently under construction. Historic monuments and informational signage also exist in Great Bridge Lock Park, along the Albemarle and Chesapeake Intracoastal Canal.

Working to preserve Chesapeake's historic character The City Council appointed the Chesapeake Board of Historic and Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic and Architectural Review Board focuses on reviewing exterior modifications to structures located within the local historic district of South Norfolk. The Historic Preservation Commission acts as an advisory board for City Council and staff on historic preservation matters throughout the city. They maintain the official survey of historically significant properties in Chesapeake and review developments that may affect those properties. In addition, they recommend areas for state and national historic registers and educate historic property owners on maintenance and restoration.