It 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.
The new consolidated city assumed the name of Suffolk.
In 1963, after approval by referendum of the voters of the City of South Norfolk and the rest of Norfolk County and the Virginia General Assembly, were combined and reorganized as a new city, ending the threat of additional annexations.
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, were consolidated as an independent city, assuming the better-known name of Virginia Beach.