Virginia, US

About

Virginia is a state located in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It played a pivotal role in early American history as one of the original 13 colonies.

History and Culture

Virginia has a long, rich history. It was named after England's Virgin Queen Elizabeth I. The first permanent English settlement was in Jamestown in 1607. Williamsburg served as the colonial capital. Important events include the founding of the House of Burgesses, the first elected legislative assembly in America, in 1619.

Historical attractions include colonial sites like Mount Vernon, Monticello and more than 25 National Park sites. Virginia has strong roots in early American history, culture and politics.

Geography and Climate

Virginia covers 42,775 square miles. It shares borders with Maryland, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina. The landscape includes coastal plains, Piedmont region, Blue Ridge Mountains and Allegheny Plateau.

The climate varies from humid subtropical in the southeast to humid continental in higher elevations. Summers are hot and humid while winters are mild.

Economy and Industry

Virginia has the highest concentration of high-tech workers and data centers in the U.S. The Pentagon and other federal agencies contribute to Virginia’s economy. Important industries include technology, finance, tourism and the military. Coal mining is also significant.

Major corporations headquartered in Virginia include Capital One and Altria. The tourism industry brings in billions of dollars to historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg.

Government and Politics

The capital of Virginia is Richmond while its most populous city is Virginia Beach. The current governor is Glenn Youngkin, a Republican. Virginia is considered a swing state in presidential elections.

In summary, Virginia is an historic state with colonial roots and contributions to early American democracy. It continues to be influential in technology, business, politics and culture.

Quick Facts about Virginia

Seal of Virginia seal image

Geography

Virginia is located at 37°32'53"N 77°26'48"W (37.5481200, -77.4467500). It has 6 neighbors: Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky.

Virginia map

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The largest city of Virginia is Virginia Beach with a population of 451,231. Other cities include, Chesapeake population 247,011, Norfolk population 242,803, Richmond population 232,226 and Arlington population 229,164. See all Virginia cities & populated places.

Largest Cities in Virginia (more)

Cities, Towns, Villages, Neighborhoods & Other Populated Places in Virginia.

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People born in Virginia, including slave Henry Box Brown, German physician Anton Dilger, politician Zadock Cook, .

List

• David Campbell (Governor of Virginia (1779-1859)) he was born in 02/08/1779
• James Johnson (Virginia congressman) he was born in 01/01/1800
• Duke R. Lee (actor (1881-1959)) he was born in 13/05/1881
• John J. Kindred (American politician (1864-1937)) he was born in 15/07/1864
• Henry King (American film director) he was born in 24/01/1886
• A. P. Carter (American musician) he was born in 15/12/1891
• William Henry Sheppard (African American missionary for the Presbyterian Church) he was born in 08/03/1865
• Francis Collins (American geneticist and director of the National Institutes of Health) he was born in 14/04/1950
• Adam Kaufman (American actor) he was born in 11/05/1974
• William Owsley (associate justice of the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the 16th Governor of Kentucky (1782-1862)) he was born in 24/03/1782
• John A. Bennett (American soldier and rapist) he was born in 10/04/1935
• Hardy Cross (American engineer) he was born in 10/02/1885
• John Dawson (American politician (1762-1814)) he was born in 01/01/1762
• Pell James (American actress) she was born in 30/04/1977
• Lester Butler (American blues harmonica player and singer) he was born in 12/11/1959
• Belle Boyd (American Confederate spy) she was born in 09/05/1844
• Curtis Turner (American racing driver) he was born in 12/04/1924
• John Smith (American politician) he was born in 01/01/1735

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