| As the site of the first English colony in America, birthplace of eight presidents, and home of such famous Americans as Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Douglas MacArthur, the state of Virginia cannot be matched for well-preserved history and natural beauty. From the historic heart of the Old Dominion to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, there is almost no end to the attractions Virginia offers. Virginia is steeped in Colonial history, including the famed reconstructions of Williamsburg and Jamestown. Virginia was also the scene of many important Civil War battles, as well as of the final Confederate surrender at Appomatox. But as the gracious plantation homes of the Tidewater and the many historic buildings throughout the state show, all eras of American history are portrayed in Virginia history. There is more to Virginia than her history. Cities such as Norfolk, Richmond, Alexandria, and Fredericksburg remember and preserve their past, but they are also exciting, active centers of culture and industry. The beaches and barrier islands of the coastline, the stunning beauty of the Shenandoah region and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the trim farms of central Virginia--all wait to delight the visitor. There are qualities about Virginia that make her unique among states. Virginia is roughly divided into three geological regions--the Tidewater, the Piedmont, and the mountains of the west. Similarly, Virginia's history has evolved through three very distinct periods--colonial, Civil War, and post World War II. The triplet theme is repeated through Virginia's historical political systems--first as a business, then as a colony, and then as a state. Add to this the trinity of heros--George Washington, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (among others), and religious influences over time, and you can begin to understand why Virginia is so unique. The original charter gave the Virginia Company dominion over the land that extended from sea to sea and from the Cape Fear River in North Carolina to Maine. Virginia never laid claim to most of this land, surrendering the Northwest Territory, which extended as far as Michigan, and losing West Virginia during the Civil War. What was left was what is now the triangle shape existing today--another "trinity" effect. After you look at the "Vital Statistics" below, won't you join us on our virtual tour of Virginia? You can click on the buttons below to take you to any region. Or, if you wish to return to the main page first, click on the "Take the Tour" button there to begin. Each region is broken down into sub-regions, and then into cities, towns, or localities. Each section is in it's early stages, so if you don't see what you're looking for, please keep checking back; we're working on it constantly. Enjoy your trip...Virginia has much to offer the traveler. After your virtual tour, we hope you'll decide to take a "live" tour of the Old Dominion, and find out first-hand what makes her so very unique. |
| Capitol | Richmond |
| Population | 6,552,000 in 1996 |
| Founded | May 13, 1607 |
| Date Admitted to Union | June 25, 1788 |
| Order of Statehood | 10th |
| Nicknames | Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents |
| Flower | American Dogwood |
| Bird | Northern Cardinal |
| Motto | Sic Semper Tyrannus (Thus always to tyrants) |
| Slogan | Virginia is for lo ers. www.VIRGINIA.org |
| Source of Name | Named for Elizabeth I, Virgin Queen of England |
| Presidents from Virginia | George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson |
| Climate | Mild to humid coastal climate. |
| Temperatures | Record High Temperature: 110°F (43°C) July 5, 1954 Record Low Temperature: -29°F (-34°C) February 10, 1899 Average July Temperature: 75°F (24°C) Average January Temperature: 36°F (2°C) |
| Precipitation | Average Yearly Precipitation: 43 inches (109cm) |
| Major Industries | Agriculture, government, and manufacturing (transportation equipment, textiles, food processing and printing). |
| Governor | Tim Kaine (D, to January 2010). |
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