NORFOLK, a borough-town and a port of entry in Norfolk county, Virginia, one of the United States of North America. It is situated on the north-eastern side of Elizabeth River, eight miles above its entrance into Hampton Road, and thirty-two miles from the sea. The land side of the town is not pleasant, being low, and in some places marshy. The streets are crooked and irregular, and neither the public nor the private buildings are remarkable for elegance. Of the former there are above twenty, including places of public worship for Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, Roman Catholics, and Methodists. The Farmer's Bank, the Orphan Asylum, and the Lancasterian School, are amongst the most conspicuous structures in Norfolk. It has a spacious and commodious harbour, nearly a mile in width, defended by three forts: Fort Norfolk on the north-east side of Elizabeth River, about a mile below the town; Fort Nelson on the south-west side of the river, a little higher than the former; and a large and strong fort upon Craney Island, five miles below the town. Norfolk has more shipping and maritime commerce than any other town in the state. On Washington Point, between the eastern and western branches of the river, there is a marine hospital, a handsome brick edifice. Near this town, also, there is an United States navy yard. The population of Norfolk amounted in 1820 to 8478, and in 1830 to 9816. Long. 76. 10. W. Lat. 36. 52. N.