Virginia

Basic Information

Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The state is known for its historic significance as one of the original 13 colonies and its important role throughout American history.

Capital

• Richmond

Largest City

• Virginia Beach

Area

• 42,774 sq mi

Population

• 8.6 million (2020)

Demographics

Virginia's population is diverse and growing, with significant concentrations in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., the Hampton Roads area, and the Richmond metropolitan area.

Ethnic Composition

• White:61.6%
• African American:19.9%
• Hispanic:10.5%
• Asian:7.1%
• Other:0.9%

Languages

• English:83.2%
• Spanish:7.2%
• Asian Languages:3.8%
• Indo-European Languages:3.1%
• Other Languages:2.7%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:21.8%
• 18-64:62.3%
• 65+:15.9%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.8%
• Natural Increase:Positive
• Migration:Net positive, especially to urban areas

Economy

Virginia has a diverse economy with strong sectors in government (especially defense and federal agencies), technology, agriculture, and services.

GDP

• $580 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Federal Government & Military
• Information Technology
• Professional & Business Services
• Healthcare
• Agriculture & Forestry
• Tourism
• Manufacturing

Employment Rate

• Employed:96.8%
• Unemployment:3.2%

Major Companies

• Capital One
• Northrop Grumman
• General Dynamics
• Dollar Tree
• CarMax
• Altria Group
• Dominion Energy

Climate

Virginia has a humid subtropical climate with significant regional variations due to topography and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Coastal Region (Tidewater)

• Avg. Summer:85-90°F
• Avg. Winter:35-45°F
• Rainfall:45-50 inches/year
• Influenced by Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay

Piedmont Region

• Avg. Summer:85-90°F
• Avg. Winter:30-40°F
• Rainfall:40-45 inches/year
• More temperature extremes than coastal areas

Mountain Region (Blue Ridge & Appalachian)

• Avg. Summer:75-85°F
• Avg. Winter:25-35°F
• Rainfall:40-50 inches/year
• Snowfall:15-30+ inches/year

Weather Patterns

• Four distinct seasons
• Tornado season (primarily spring)
• Hurricane vulnerability (coastal areas)
• Winter mix precipitation (rain, snow, sleet)
• Summer thunderstorms
• Fall foliage season

Visiting Virginia

Virginia offers visitors a blend of historic sites, natural beauty, urban experiences, and coastal attractions across distinct regions.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring:April-May (gardens, moderate temperatures)
• Fall:September-October (foliage, harvest festivals)
• Summer:June-August (beaches, water activities)
• Winter:December-February (skiing in mountains, fewer crowds at historic sites)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Washington Dulles International, Reagan National, Richmond International, Norfolk International
• Interstate Highways:I-95, I-64, I-81, I-66, I-77
• Passenger Rail:Amtrak routes throughout the state, Virginia Railway Express (commuter service)
• Public Transportation:Metro (Northern Virginia), bus systems in cities
• Ferries:Jamestown-Scotland, Tangier Island, others

Accommodation

• Hotels:Major chains and independent properties throughout the state
• Historic Inns:In Colonial Williamsburg, small towns, and historic districts
• Resorts:Mountain, beach, and golf destinations
• Bed & Breakfasts:Abundant in historic areas and wine country
• Camping:State parks, national forests, and private campgrounds
• Vacation Rentals:Beach houses, mountain cabins, urban condos

Tourist Information

• Welcome Centers:Located along major highways
• Tourism Website:Virginia is for Lovers
• Local Visitor Centers:In most towns and attractions
• Virginia Tourism Corporation

Popular Attractions

Virginia features diverse attractions from historic sites and monuments to natural wonders, theme parks, and cultural experiences.

Historic Sites

• Colonial Williamsburg
• Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's Home)
• Mount Vernon (George Washington's Home)
• Jamestown Settlement
• Yorktown Battlefield
• Arlington National Cemetery
• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
• Historic Richmond Sites

Natural Attractions

• Shenandoah National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Natural Bridge
• Luray Caverns
• Virginia Beach Oceanfront
• Great Falls Park
• Assateague Island National Seashore
• Chesapeake Bay

Museums & Cultural Sites

• Smithsonian Air and Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center)
• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
• Virginia Living Museum
• Chrysler Museum of Art
• Edgar Allan Poe Museum
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

Family Destinations

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Kings Dominion
• Virginia Safari Park
• Virginia Zoo
• Water Country USA
• Children's Museum of Richmond
• Norfolk Botanical Garden
• Science Museum of Virginia

History

Virginia's rich history spans from native settlements through colonization, the American Revolution, Civil War, and modern development.

Early History

• Indigenous Peoples:Powhatan Confederacy, Cherokee, Monacan, others
• Jamestown Settlement:1607 (first permanent English colony)
• Bacon's Rebellion:1676
• House of Burgesses (first legislative assembly in America)
• Colonial Development:Plantations, trade, early government

Revolutionary Era

• Virginia Declaration of Rights:1776
• Key Revolutionary Leaders:Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Henry
• Revolutionary War Battles:Yorktown (decisive victory)
• Constitutional Convention Representation
• Early Republic:4 of first 5 presidents from Virginia

Civil War & Reconstruction

• Secession:April 17, 1861
• Capital of the Confederacy (Richmond)
• Major Battles:Over 2,000 military engagements
• West Virginia Separation:1863
• Reconstruction Period:1865-1870
• Jim Crow Era:1870s-1960s

Modern Era

• Massive Resistance (segregation opposition)
• Civil Rights Movement
• Growth of Federal Government Influence
• Technology Corridor Development
• Demographic Shifts and Urbanization
• Political Evolution
• Military and Defense Industry Growth

State Symbols

Virginia has designated various official state symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

• State Bird:

  Cardinal
• State Dog:

  American Foxhound
• State Fish:

  Brook Trout
• State Insect:

  Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
• State Bat:

  Virginia Big-eared Bat
• State Horse:

  Virginia Quarter Horse

State Plants

• State Flower:

  American Dogwood
• State Tree:

  Flowering Dogwood
• State Wildflower:

  Virginia Spring Beauty
• State Grass:

  Virginia Oat Grass
• State Fruit:

  Hanover Tomato
• State Folk Dance:

  Square Dance

Cultural Symbols

• State Flag:

  Virginia seal on blue background
• State Song:

  "Our Great Virginia"
• State Motto:

  "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (Thus Always to Tyrants)
• State Beverage:

  Milk
• State Dance:

  Square Dance
• State Folk Festival:

  Virginia Folklife Festival

Other Symbols

• State Fossil:

  Chesapecten jeffersonius (scallop)
• State Rock:

  Nelsonite
• State Gem:

  Fairy Stone
• State Boat:

  Chesapeake Bay Deadrise
• State Outdoor Drama:

  "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine"
• State Shell:

  Eastern Oyster

State Facts

Virginia holds numerous distinctive records and facts that highlight its unique character and historical significance.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Mount Rogers (5,729 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Atlantic Ocean (sea level)
• Coastline:

  112 miles (3,315 miles including Chesapeake Bay shoreline)
• Geographic Regions:

  Tidewater, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Ridge & Valley, Appalachian Plateau
• Major Rivers:

  James, Potomac, Rappahannock, York, Shenandoah
• Natural Bridges:

  Natural Bridge (once owned by Thomas Jefferson)

Records & Rankings

• 12th Most Populous State
• 35th Largest State by Area
• Longest Continuous Legislative Body in Western Hemisphere (General Assembly, since 1619)
• Most Consecutive Democratic Presidential Wins (10, 1948-1984)
• Largest Naval Base in the World (Naval Station Norfolk)
• Most Presidents Born in Any State (8)

Notable Firsts

• First English Colonial Settlement (Jamestown, 1607)
• First Representative Legislative Assembly in the New World (1619)
• First Public University in America Fully Planned (University of Virginia)
• First Thanksgiving (Berkeley Plantation, 1619)
• First Peanuts Grown in United States
• First Battle Between Ironclad Ships (Monitor and Merrimack)

Unique Features

• Only State Named for a Monarch (Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen")
• Only State with an Executive Mansion Still Used by the Original Owner (since 1813)
• Pentagon (World's Largest Office Building) Located in Arlington
• CIA Headquarters in Langley
• About 70% of World's Internet Traffic Passes Through Virginia Data Centers
• More Civil War Battles Fought in Virginia Than Any Other State

Government & Politics

Virginia operates under a state constitution with three branches of government and has evolved from a solidly conservative state to a politically competitive "purple" state.

Governor

• Glenn Youngkin (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Bicameral:State Senate (40 members) and House of Delegates (100 members)

Political Trends

• Historically conservative but increasingly competitive
• Urban-rural political divide

State Structure

• Commonwealth status (one of four U.S. "Commonwealths")
• Dillon Rule state (local governments have only powers expressly granted by state)
• Single-term limit for Governor (cannot serve consecutive terms)
• General Assembly (oldest continuous legislative body in Western Hemisphere)
• Independent cities (cities not part of counties, unique in U.S.)
• Circuit Court system

Time Zones

Virginia is entirely within the Eastern Time Zone, with daylight saving time observed.

Standard Time

• Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Daylight Saving

• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)

Time History

• Standardized time adoption followed railroad industry needs
• No exemptions from daylight saving time
• Borders both EST and CST zones (Kentucky, Tennessee)

Education

Virginia's education system includes prestigious public universities, private colleges, community colleges, and a statewide K-12 public school system.

Higher Education

• Public Universities:University of Virginia, College of William & Mary, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, and 11 others
• Community College System:23 colleges on 40 campuses
• Private Colleges:Washington and Lee University, University of Richmond, Hampden-Sydney College, and many others
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities:Hampton University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Union University
• Military Institutions:Virginia Military Institute
• Medical Schools:Eastern Virginia Medical School, VCU School of Medicine, UVA School of Medicine, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

K-12 Education

• Public School Divisions:132 (by county and city)
• Governor's Schools:Specialized programs for gifted students
• Private Schools:Religious and independent options
• Magnet Schools:Specialized curricula
• Charter Schools:Limited presence
• Homeschooling:Active community

Educational Rankings

• Home to Multiple Top-Ranked Public Universities
• Strong Advanced Placement (AP) Performance
• High On-Time Graduation Rates
• Academic Year Governor's Schools (nationally recognized model)
• Strong STEM Education Initiative
• Public Education Investment Variations by Region

Educational Initiatives

• Early Childhood Education Expansion
• Career and Technical Education Programs
• Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessment System
• Virtual Virginia (online courses)
• Computer Science Education Initiative
• Workforce Credential Grant Program

Culture & Festivals

Virginia's cultural identity blends Southern heritage, historical significance, coastal influences, and diverse regional traditions.

Major Festivals

• Virginia International Tattoo (Norfolk)
• Virginia State Fair (Caroline County)
• Norfolk Harborfest
• Virginia Film Festival (Charlottesville)
• Neptune Festival (Virginia Beach)
• Richmond Folk Festival
• Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival (Winchester)
• Chincoteague Pony Swim

Cultural Events

• Historic Garden Week
• Virginia Arts Festival
• First Fridays Art Walk (multiple cities)
• Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination
• Busch Gardens Christmas Town
• Richmond Jazz Festival
• Virginia Wine Month (October)
• Urbanna Oyster Festival

Regional Traditions

• Tidewater Seafood Festivals
• Appalachian Music and Crafts
• Northern Virginia International Communities
• Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Fairs
• Piedmont Hunt Races and Equestrian Events
• Southwest Virginia Heritage Music Trail
• Jamestown-Yorktown Commemorations
• Old Town Alexandria Historic Celebrations

Arts & Performance

• Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond)
• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
• American Shakespeare Center (Staunton)
• Virginia Symphony Orchestra
• Richmond Ballet
• Virginia Opera
• Signature Theatre (Arlington)
• Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail

Sports & Teams

Virginia has a passionate sports culture centered around college athletics, minor league teams, NASCAR, and outdoor recreational sports.

Professional Teams

• Washington Commanders (NFL, headquartered in Ashburn)
• Washington Capitals (NHL, practice facility in Arlington)
• Washington Nationals (MLB, affiliate in Fredericksburg)
• Richmond Flying Squirrels (AA Baseball)
• Norfolk Tides (AAA Baseball)
• Richmond Kickers (USL Soccer)
• Virginia Cavaliers Lacrosse (PLL)
• Washington Spirit (NWSL, plays some games in Virginia)

College Athletics

• University of Virginia Cavaliers
• Virginia Tech Hokies
• James Madison University Dukes
• Old Dominion University Monarchs
• Virginia Commonwealth University Rams
• William & Mary Tribe
• Liberty University Flames
• University of Richmond Spiders

Sporting Events

• NASCAR at Richmond Raceway and Martinsville Speedway
• Virginia Gold Cup (horse racing)
• Collegiate Football Games
• Virginia is for Racing Lovers Marathon Series
• College Basketball Tournaments
• Hampton Cup Regatta
• USA Cycling Events
• Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing

Outdoor Recreation

• Golf (400+ courses)
• Fishing (freshwater and saltwater)
• Hiking (Appalachian Trail, others)
• Skiing (Wintergreen, Massanutten, others)
• Water Sports (coastal and inland)
• Rock Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• Hunting

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Virginia cuisine reflects regional diversity with Chesapeake Bay seafood, Southern influences, Appalachian traditions, and innovative farm-to-table practices.

Signature Dishes

• Virginia Ham (Smithfield and country hams)
• Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs
• Oysters (8 distinct regions)
• Brunswick Stew
• Peanut Soup
• Sally Lunn Bread
• Fried Chicken
• Apple Butter

Regional Specialties

• Tidewater:Seafood (crab cakes, she-crab soup, oysters)
• Shenandoah Valley:Apple products, sausages, poultry
• Northern Virginia:International cuisines, fine dining
• Southwest Virginia:Country cooking, barbecue
• Piedmont:Vineyards, farm-to-table cuisine
• Eastern Shore:Clam chowder, soft-shell crabs
• Richmond:Eclectic food scene, craft beverages
• Coastal:Fresh catch seafood

Beverages & Spirits

• Virginia Wine (300+ wineries)
• Craft Beer (300+ breweries)
• Cider (growing industry)
• Distilleries (whiskey, bourbon, moonshine)
• Mountain Valley Spring Water
• Specialty Coffee Roasters
• Sweet Tea
• Craft Sodas

Agricultural Products

• Apples (major producer)
• Peanuts (especially Suffolk/Southampton area)
• Tobacco (historically significant)
• Tomatoes (especially Eastern Shore)
• Dairy Products
• Soy and Other Grains
• Seafood (Chesapeake Bay harvests)
• Poultry and Livestock

Infrastructure

Virginia's infrastructure supports its diverse economy with extensive transportation networks, military facilities, and technology infrastructure.

Transportation

• Interstate Highways:I-95, I-64, I-81, I-66, I-77, I-85
• Bridges and Tunnels:Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Monitor-Merrimac, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
• Airports:Washington Dulles, Reagan National, Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News/Williamsburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville
• Ports:Port of Virginia (Norfolk, Newport News, Portsmouth)
• Rail:Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express, Norfolk Southern, CSX
• Mass Transit:Washington Metro, light rail in Norfolk, bus systems
• Bicycle Infrastructure:Virginia Capital Trail, others

Energy Systems

• Electric Utilities:Dominion Energy, Appalachian Power
• Nuclear Power:North Anna, Surry
• Natural Gas:Pipelines and distribution
• Coal:Mining in southwest region
• Renewable Energy:Growing solar and wind initiatives
• Energy Research:Advanced Research at universities
• Transmission Network:Part of PJM Interconnection

Technology Infrastructure

• Data Centers:Largest concentration in the world (Northern Virginia)
• Internet Exchange Points:Major East Coast connectivity
• Undersea Cable Landings:Virginia Beach
• Research Networks:Major universities and federal facilities
• Technology Corridors:Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads
• Broadband Initiatives:Rural expansion efforts
• Space Facilities:NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport

Military Facilities

• Pentagon (Department of Defense HQ)
• Naval Station Norfolk (largest naval base in the world)
• Quantico Marine Corps Base
• Fort Belvoir
• Naval Air Station Oceana
• CIA Headquarters (Langley)
• Joint Base Langley-Eustis
• Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

Notable Historical Figures

Virginia has been home to influential individuals who shaped state, national, and global history across many fields.

Presidents & Political Leaders

• George Washington (1st President, Mount Vernon)
• Thomas Jefferson (3rd President, Monticello)
• James Madison (4th President, Montpelier)
• James Monroe (5th President)
• William Henry Harrison (9th President)
• John Tyler (10th President)
• Zachary Taylor (12th President)
• Woodrow Wilson (28th President)
• Patrick Henry (Revolutionary orator)
• Douglas Wilder (first elected African American governor)

Military Leaders

• Robert E. Lee (Confederate general)
• Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (Confederate general)
• George C. Marshall (Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State)
• J.E.B. Stuart (Confederate cavalry commander)
• George Thomas (Union general)
• Winfield Scott (Mexican-American War general)
• William "Billy" Mitchell (military aviation pioneer)
• Lewis "Chesty" Puller (Marine Corps general)

Civil Rights & Social Justice

• Nat Turner (led slave rebellion)
• Barbara Johns (student civil rights activist)
• Oliver Hill (civil rights attorney)
• L. Douglas Wilder (first elected Black governor)
• Dorothy Height (civil rights leader)
• Maggie L. Walker (first female bank president)
• John Mitchell Jr. (newspaper editor, civil rights advocate)
• Jean Louise Harris (pioneering female physician)

Arts, Science & Innovation

• Edgar Allan Poe (author)
• Booker T. Washington (educator)
• Arthur Ashe (tennis player, activist)
• Pearl Bailey (entertainer)
• Cyrus McCormick (invented mechanical reaper)
• Ella Fitzgerald (jazz singer)
• Admiral Grace Hopper (computer pioneer)
• Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician)

State Government Services

Virginia's state government provides various services to residents through different departments and agencies.

Health & Human Services

• Department of Health
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
• Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services
• Department of Medical Assistance Services (Medicaid)
• Virginia Health Benefit Exchange
• Department of Veterans Services
• Office of Children's Services

Education & Workforce

• Department of Education
• State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
• Virginia Community College System
• Department of Labor and Industry
• Virginia Employment Commission
• Virginia Career Works Centers
• Virginia Research Investment Committee
• New College Institute

Public Safety & Justice

• Virginia State Police
• Department of Corrections
• Department of Criminal Justice Services
• Department of Emergency Management
• Department of Fire Programs
• Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
• Department of Juvenile Justice
• Office of the Attorney General

Transportation & Environment

• Department of Transportation
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Department of Environmental Quality
• Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Department of Wildlife Resources
• Department of Forestry
• Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
• Marine Resources Commission

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Virginia's rich history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.

Founding Documents

• Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
• Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786)
• Virginia Constitution (current version 1971)
• Stamp Act Resolutions (1765)
• Virginia Plan (basis for U.S. Constitution)
• Virginia Ordinance of Secession (1861)
• Articles of Confederation (Virginia's ratification)
• Virginia Charter (1606, 1609, 1612)

Historical Landmarks

• Colonial Williamsburg
• Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home)
• Mount Vernon (George Washington's home)
• Montpelier (James Madison's home)
• Virginia State Capitol (designed by Jefferson)
• Appomattox Court House (Civil War surrender site)
• Jamestown Settlement
• Arlington House (Robert E. Lee Memorial)

Archival Collections

• Library of Virginia
• Virginia Historical Society
• University of Virginia Special Collections
• College of William & Mary Archives
• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• George Washington's Mount Vernon Archives
• Thomas Jefferson's Monticello Archives
• National Archives at Philadelphia (colonial Virginia records)

Historic Districts

• Old Town Alexandria
• Church Hill (Richmond)
• Fredericksburg Historic District
• Petersburg Old Town Historic District
• Waterford Historic District
• Staunton Historic District
• Fan District (Richmond)
• Winchester Historic District

Environmental Initiatives

Virginia has developed various environmental programs aimed at protecting its diverse ecosystems from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Chesapeake Bay Restoration

• Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
• Watershed Implementation Plans
• Bay Monitoring Programs
• Riparian Buffer Requirements
• Agricultural Best Management Practices
• Stormwater Management Regulations
• Marine Debris Reduction
• Oyster Restoration Projects

Conservation Programs

• Virginia Land Conservation Foundation
• Open Space Preservation
• Conservation Easement Tax Credits
• Virginia Outdoors Foundation
• Wildlife Corridor Conservation
• Natural Area Preserves System
• Forest Conservation
• Wetland Preservation

Energy & Climate

• Virginia Clean Economy Act
• Renewable Portfolio Standard
• Solar and Wind Energy Development
• Energy Efficiency Programs
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• Coastal Resilience Planning
• Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals
• Climate Change Action Plan