Walk through history on the Cannonball Trail, a self-guided walking tour that covers 400 years of Norfolk history. The trail winds its way along the Elizabeth River and through different districts of Downtown connecting historical homes, buildings and neighborhoods of some of the first residents in the city. Follow the path through the Historical Freemason District, home to the city's first residence, and stop to read the plaques at important locations like the Norfolk Police & Fire-Rescue Museum, St. Paul's Episcopal Church or The MacArthur Memorial, plus many more.
Explore museums and historical homes like the Hunter House Victorian Museum, originally owned by a leading Norfolk family, the Hunters, whose local roots date back to 1678. This house belonged to James Hunter's children until 1965 and is now open to the public as a Victorian Museum. Or take a deeper look at the history behind the Wells Theatre. Originally built to enhance the performing arts in Norfolk, many of America's leading entertainers performed on its stage. Today, the refurbished theatre continues its mission as the home of the Virginia Stage Company. With 43 different spots along the trail, there is no shortage of history to explore as you walk through both the past and present.
