Virginia is a member state of the United States of America. Located in the central part of the Atlantic coast, it covers an area of 105 716 km2 and has a population of 7 489 600 (2004).
It is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and abuts the states of West Virginia to the northwest, Maryland to the north and northeast, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south and Kentucky to the west. The capital is Richmond. The State extends over three regions: to the west, the Appalachian massif is created first, culminating in the summit of Mount Rogers (1,746 m). The Piedmont plateau then dominates to the east, separated from the coastal plain by a fault line (Fall Line).
Finally, the very humid Atlantic coastal plain protects numerous coastal swamps. Several coastal rivers (Potomac, Rappahannock, James, York) take their source from Appalaches and flow towards Chesapeake Bay. Ennoyage postglaciaire of the region furthermore formed deep and protected rivers, constituting excellent port sites, Hampton Roads in particular. The climate is of a humid subtropical type, excluded in the mountainous part of the northwest where it is moderately humid. However, Virginia sometimes knows very harsh winters linked to the descent of arctic glacial air or torrid summers caused by an increase in tropical sea air. The state’s three-fifths are covered with forests (oaks, incense pines, tulip trees).
Are you interested in getting the list of public libraries in Virginia? On Babyinger.com, you can find a full list of Virginia libraries by county which are free. Also, you can check the following resources, such as county list, state abbreviation, and top schools in the state of Virginia.
Countryaah: Offers a full list of counties and county equivalents in Virginia featuring the oldest, newest, largest and smallest counties by population and area, as well as county seals and political map of Virginia.
AbbreviationFinder: Presents the abbreviations and acronyms that stand for Virginia. Also includes other English words or phrases that have the same initials as state name of Virginia.
Virginia was the 10th of the 13 founding states to join the United States in 1788. Virginia borders Maryland to the north, West Virginia to the west, Tennessee to the southwest and North Carolina to the south, and is 110,785 km². Virginia, which is relatively densely populated with around 8 million residents, is also known as the “Old Dominion” (old state territory). The namesake was the English Queen Elizabeth I (the virgin queen), because unmarried. Richmond is the capital of Virginia.
Virginia is also known by name as the “Mothers of the Presidents”, as many later presidents have their roots here. B. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe or James Madison.
Virginia – one of the 13 founding states
Since 1788 Virginia has been the 10th member of the State Union. West Virginia was originally part of Virginia, but the northwestern counties split off from Virginia during the Civil War. The region was first settled by the English and the first settlement named Jamestown was founded on the river of the same name, the James River, in May 1607.
It was named after the English King James I (1566 – 1625) of England. Williamsburg was the capital when Virginia was still an English colony.
In the American War of Independence, the British colonial rulers were defeated in 1775 and independence was officially declared in Williamsburg in May 1776. Before the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Virginia was the most influential state in the United States. As industry built up in the major cities of the north, many migrated from agricultural-ruled Virginia and the state lost its influence. In 1781, the last decisive battle of the North American War of Independence took place in Yorktown.
Virginia was originally inhabited by various Indian tribes such as the Powhatan, Nottaway and Meherrin, who are related to the Iroquois. The Monacan and Sapomi, who were close to the Sioux, settled in the region around the Appalachians. The Cherokee still lived in the west.
Many historical sites from the civil war
Virginia has many historic buildings from the Civil War period. The National Battlefield Park in Manassas in particular has a particularly large number of monuments. In Richmond you can visit the State Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. There are beautiful beaches on the coast. A visit to Virginia Beach is particularly recommended, a large number of hotels line Atlantic Avenue and the beach here is wide and fine sand.
The landscape in Virginia is very varied with the coastal region on the Atlantic Ocean, the Appalachians and the Piedmonts, a plateau-shaped region where vines are grown and extensive tobacco fields can be found. There are also many historical sites from the Civil War to visit, including the National Battlefield Park in Manassas, Arlington National Cemetery, a Heroes’ Cemetery of the Unknown Soldier and the Colonial National Historic Park. The first English settlement was established there in 1607.
Today, actors re-enact life there. Furthermore, one can visit the memorials or former residences of the US presidents from Virginia at various locations. So z. For example, the George Washington country house in Mount Vernon or the George Washington Birthplace National Monument near Fredericksburg.
Outdoor activities
In the national parks, such as the Shenandoah National Park, there are many hiking routes over 800 km that lead through a beautiful natural landscape. A special experience is a hike on the 750 km long Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn. Then the foliage turns into the most beautiful colors (Indian Summer).
You can also explore the parks by car and there are many beautiful viewpoints with wonderful views of the landscape. Especially the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, are worth a trip. Part of the Appalachian Trail also runs here. The Luray Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley are also interesting, where you will find huge, colorful caves and the only stalactite organ in the world. The Natural Bridge is a limestone rock arch that spans Cedar Creek.
In the natural landscape of Virginia there are many opportunities for hikers, riders, mountain bikers and in winter for skiers and snowboarders to practice their sport. A special challenge is the ascent of the highest mountain in Virginia, the 1,700 m high Mount Rogers.
In the footsteps of the Indians
The culture of the Indians has recently been included in tourism. Owing to the growing interest of tourists in Native American culture. Indian places of worship, Indian paths and tools are increasingly being integrated into the tourist offer. Historical canoe trips are organized on the Clinch River.
Listen to Native American storytellers at the American Indian Festival in Chesapeake, along with performances and traditional dances. Jewelry, handicrafts and Native American dishes are offered at stalls. There are museum villages like “The Monacan Indian Living History Village” in Natural Bridge. In Altavista you can marvel at old Indian ornaments and utensils. The exhibition can only be visited in October.
Climate
In the southern parts towards the Atlantic coast there is a humid subtropical climate with maximum temperatures of approx. 30 °C in July and minimum temperatures of approx. -3 °C in January. The coastal areas, mainly in the southeast, favored by the Gulf Stream, have a milder climate. In the higher areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains one finds subtropical highland climates. The rainiest month is August, while April has the least rainfall. In general, the region is rainy with many thunderstorms each year. Hurricanes and tornadas are rare in Virginia compared to many other states.
