New Norfolk County was formed in 1636 from Elizabeth City Shire, one of the eight original shires (or counties) formed in 1634 in the colony of Virginia by direction of the King of England.
New Norfolk County included all the area in South Hampton Roads now incorporated in the five independent cities located there in modern times.
On October 20, 1673 the "Grand Assembly" at Jamestown authorized Lower Norfolk County to construct a fort.
In 1963, after approval by referendum of the voters of the City of South Norfolk and of the rest of Norfolk County, and the Virginia General Assembly, these areas were combined and reorganized as a new independent city, ending the threat of additional annexations by the City of Norfolk.
Also in 1963, after approval by referendum of the voters of the City of Virginia Beach and the rest of Princess Anne County, and the Virginia General Assembly, those two areas were consolidated as an independent city, taking the better-known name of Virginia Beach.