1. Named After England's Beloved "Virgin Queen"
Virginia, named after England's beloved "Virgin Queen" Elisabeth I, is a state steeped in history. The state was named in honor of the Queen's status as a "virgin" monarch, and has since become a symbol of the nation's colonial past. Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies, and was the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. It was also the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Virginia is also home to many historical sites, such as Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.
Also → Richmond, Virginia: A Unique City in a Unique Location
Advertisement2. Virginia's Tobacco Industry Provides Many Residents With A Lifestyle
In Virginia, the tobacco industry is the leading source of income for many of its residents. As the state's primary "cash crop", tobacco is responsible for providing the majority of its citizens with a livelihood. This is especially true in rural areas, where tobacco farming is a major part of the local economy. In addition to providing jobs, the tobacco industry also contributes significantly to the state's overall economic growth.
Also → Thomas Jefferson: A Leader in Virginia and the United States
3. The Birthplace of the American Dream
Virginia is a state with a rich history, as it was the site of the first English settlement in the United States. Jamestown, Virginia was established in 1607 and served as the first capital of the state. It was the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and it was the first successful English colony in the Americas. Jamestown was the birthplace of the American Dream, and it is now a National Historic Site.
Also → Virginia Beach: A City steeped in History
4. Six Virginia Presidents
Virginia has a long history of producing presidents of the United States, with a total of six having been born in the state. These include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, Josh Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. Each of these presidents had a unique impact on the nation, from Washington's role in the American Revolution to Wilson's involvement in the League of Nations. Virginia's presidents have left an indelible mark on the history of the United States.
Also → West Virginia's State Tax Marks the Beginning of a New Era
Advertisement5. Yorktown, The End of the American Revolution
The American Revolution came to a dramatic conclusion in the small town of Yorktown, Virginia, when General Cornwallis surrendered to the Continental Army and its French allies. This momentous event marked the end of the war and the birth of the United States of America. Yorktown is now a National Historic Park, where visitors can explore the battlefields and monuments that commemorate the decisive victory of the American Revolution.
Also → James Monroe: A Leader of Virginia
6. Richmond, The Confederate Capital
Richmond, Virginia is a city with a long and storied history. It is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and was also the capital of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Richmond was chosen as the Confederate capital in 1861, and served as the seat of government for the Confederacy until the Union forces captured the city in 1865. Today, Richmond is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and is home to many historic sites and monuments that commemorate its role in the Civil War.
Also → George Washington: A President Who Loved His Home State
7. William and Mary: The Second Oldest College in the United States
Founded in 1693, the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia is the second oldest college in the United States. Located in the historic city of Williamsburg, the college has a long and storied history, having been founded by a royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England. It is the alma mater of three U.S. presidents, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler, and has been home to many influential figures in American history. Today, the college is a public research university and is ranked among the top universities in the nation.
Also → James Madison's Political Ambition Pays Off in Virginia
Advertisement8. Virginia's Peanut Boom: Powering the Economy
Virginia is a state with a rich agricultural history, and it was the first state in the United States to grow peanuts. Peanuts are an important crop in Virginia, and the state produces a variety of different types of peanuts, including Virginia, Valencia, and Spanish peanuts. Peanuts are a major source of income for many farmers in the state, and they are used in a variety of products, from peanut butter to candy. Virginia's peanut industry has been a major contributor to the state's economy for many years, and it continues to be an important part of the state's agricultural landscape.
Also → John Tyler: 10th US President (1790)
9. Richmond's Union Passenger Railway made history
In 1888, the Union Passenger Railway made history as the first successful electric street railway in Richmond, Virginia. This revolutionary railway was a major milestone in the development of public transportation, and it marked the beginning of a new era of efficient and reliable transportation for the city of Richmond. The Union Passenger Railway was a great success, and it served as a model for other cities to follow in the years to come.
Also → The Birthplace of the Confederacy: Montgomery, Alabama
10. "Virginia Beach: Millions of Annual Visitors"
Virginia Beach is a bustling travel destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, it is the largest city in Virginia and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. From its iconic boardwalk and miles of sandy beaches to its vibrant nightlife and world-class restaurants, Virginia Beach has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting night out, Virginia Beach is the perfect destination.
