I don't comment too much on this blog, I usually just read, however, I wanted to chime in on this discussion as to why Norfolk and Richmond never grew in the way NE Cities have. I was reading something several years ago which I think may answer this question.
During colonial times, Portsmouth, Norfolk nor Richmond never developed as extensive port and trade cities like Baltimore, Philly, New York, and Boston. I say Portsmouth first because its actually older than Norfolk. It wasn't until the 20th Century that this region became a major port. This was due to the fact that trade in the Virginia Colony was performed directly at the Plantation as opposed to in the cities since the ships coming directly from England could sail directly there. The ports in Portsmouth and Norfolk only served the immediate Norfolk, Princess Anne, and Nansemond County hinterlands with their respective agricultural trade. One side note, Richmond did not grow until after the Civil War and the industrial revolution was in full swing. It only had the capital before hand. This could not be done in the NE since the river system does not permit one to sail a large ship that far upstream unlike here. Therefore, any colonist from the NE agricultural regions wishing to sell their goods to England had to deliver the goods directly to those port NE port cities. This required an extensive trading network in the cities which brought people into the cities. Also, because non-navigable rivers contained rapids and were fast moving, it made good for hydropower to turn mills to produce textiles, giving birth to industry. Therefore, when the industrial revolution occurred these areas were prime for new industry and industry headquarters since there was a workforce ready to go. This eventually yielded the 'Fortune 500', large industry type that is and was located in the NE. Also, Richmond added industry during the industrial revolution since it was near the James where it was fast moving at that point.
Usermel, you mentioned cities like Kansas City and St. Louis in the Mid-West. Well, again these cities were located along trade routes leading west and as the country expanded and the population moved west, it required industry to move with it, which required a large workforce. Naturally, industry and agricultural trade would occur along the trade routes further adding to these cities' population.
It should be noted that the Navy did not become a large portion of Hampton Roads' economy until the early 20th Century when Teddy Roosevelt built the Great White Fleet. This area was ideal for a new Naval Installation, which was constructed at Sewell's Point, which ultimately became NOB.
So, this means that cities grow due to the fact that people have a reason to go there for work. The same reason why we aren't growing now and have lost people to Charlotte and Raleigh, due to the lack of good paying jobs.