Hilton Village

by John V. Quarstein

Established in 1918, Hilton Village was the first public housing project built in the United States. Spurred on by Newport News Shipbuilding president Homer Ferguson, it was created to house shipyard workers during World War I. The village was the city's first planned community and its first National Register of Historic Places district. Hilton's distinctive cottage-style architecture, reminiscent of an English village, is one of the first examples of the New Urbanism and Garden City movements in America. Along the tree-lined streets are homes and shops that might have been pulled from a Dickens novel. The vision of the leaders who crafted Hilton Village--the shipyard's Ferguson, Harvard University town planner Henry Hubbard, and world-renowned architect Francis Joannes--remains apparent.

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2018

Reviews

[Rachel Whelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise and functional history of Hilton Village in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I lived in Newport News from 2026-18, and I live part-time in Norfolk now, so it was interesting to gain a new perspective of places and neighborhoods that are familiar. The shipping industry in Hampton Roads has a long history, and I liked the approach of this book to focus on a particular area and the growth of a suburban neighborhood.

[David Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of Hilton Village in Newport News, VA. Very enjoyable read and well researched. As a resident of the village, I emerged from the book feeling even more fascinated about the neighborhood and excited about its future and continued dedication to its storied past.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the chapter synopsis and pictures with local history. Have been wanting to read this sinceHilton celebrated its 100th birthday in 2018. I wish Images of America photos had more dates on them and details. I enjoyed it and recommend it.