The settlers at Jamestown were preparing to sail back to England because
they were out of supplies and were having so much trouble surviving.  As
they went down the James River towards Hampton Roads and the Atlantic Ocean,
they received "news" that Capt. Christopher Newport was sailing into Hampton
Roads with supplies.  So the colony survived and did not return to England.

The town that grew up near the place where the "news" was received about the
ships of Capt. Newport, located on the north or left bank of the James
River, was later named "Newport News."

A few years ago there was a move to shorten the name of the city to
"Newport," but that was voted down by the residents of Newport News.
(Virginians like to preserve and honor their state's history.)  There is a
Virginia state community college in that city named "Christopher Newport
Community College."

Hope this helps.

Joan Logan Brooks
a Southside Virginian through 11 proven generations

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