15 Interesting Facts About Virginia

Introduction:

The United States isn’t short of fascinating and surprising facts about its states, and Virginia is no exception. As one of the original 13 colonies, it has experienced a lot of history and development over the centuries. Virginia is the home of so much beauty and culture, so it’s no wonder that it’s considered a great tourist destination. In case you’re curious to discover more about the state of Virginia, here are fifteen interesting facts that you won’t find anywhere else.

Fact 1: Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I

Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I, the “Virgin Queen” in the 16th century. When the colonists wanted to pay homage and honor the Queen, they decided to name the colony “Virginia” after her as a way of honoring her. The name Virginia was first used in 1584 when the English explorer, Sir Walter Raleigh, applied it to the area which is now known as North Carolina.

Fact 2: The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States

The Chesapeake Bay, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is the largest estuary in the country. It is over 200 miles long and includes 64,000 miles of shoreline. It’s a must-see tourist destination if you’re ever visiting the state. The Chesapeake Bay is home to numerous aquatic animals, including numerous fish and shellfish such as oysters, crabs, and clams.

Fact 3: Virginia is the birthplace of eight US Presidents

Virginia is the birthplace of a whopping eight US presidents, more than any other state in the US. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Woodrow Wilson, and George H.W. Bush all hail from Virginia, making it a unique and influential state in American history.

Fact 4: Virginia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River

Virginia is the largest state located east of the Mississippi River. It has an area of 110,787 square miles and a population of around 8.52 million people. It is one of the most populous states in the US. It is also known as the “Old Dominion State”, referring to the English rule of the territory prior to the American Revolution.

Fact 5: Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s home for nearly fifty years

Monticello, located near Charlottesville, Virginia, was Thomas Jefferson’s home for nearly fifty years. It was also the location of Jefferson’s home when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. It has since been declared a National Historic Landmark and is open to tourists for viewing.

Fact 6: Virginia has two Major League Baseball teams

The state of Virginia is home to two Major League Baseball teams, the Washington Nationals and the Norfolk Tides. The Nationals are based in Washington, D.C., but they play their home games in northern Virginia. The Tides are based in Norfolk, Virginia and play their home games in Harbor Park.

Fact 7: The first English colony in North America was established in Virginia

The first English colony in North America, called Jamestown, was established in Virginia in 1607. This colony is important in shaping the history of the United States. It was the first successful English settlement in North America and it became a successful trading post and port for the British Empire.

Fact 8: Virginia was a major area of conflict during the Civil War

Virginia was a major area of conflict during the Civil War. The two main battles, the Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Gettysburg, were both fought in Virginia. The state was the site of over 10,000 skirmishes and battles, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.

Fact 9: Virginia was the first state to ratify the US Constitution

Virginia was the first state to ratify the US Constitution in 1788. This event marked the beginning of the United States as a nation. Virginia’s move to ratify the Constitution was an important event in American history and it was a major factor in the success of the document.

Fact 10: The Virginia Creeper trail is the perfect place for cycling and hiking

The Virginia Creeper trail is a 34-mile long walking and biking trail located in southwestern Virginia. It was once used by the Native Americans to access the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains and is now a popular tourist destination. The trail is incredibly scenic and picturesque and offers visitors stunning views of Appalachia.

Fact 11: Virginia is home to the world’s largest office building

Virginia is home to the world’s largest office building, the Pentagon. The Pentagon was designed and built during World War II and was the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense until 1997. Today, it is still one of the most visited tourist attractions in the US.

Fact 12: Virginia has the world’s longest continuous bridge-tunnel

Virginia has the world’s longest continuous bridge-tunnel, spanning 17.6 miles across the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was completed in 1964 and is an incredible engineering feat connecting the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Fact 13: The first college in the United States was founded in Virginia

The first college in the United States, the College of William and Mary, was founded in Virginia in 1693. This college was more than a century ahead of Harvard and Princeton and is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the country.

Fact 14: Virginia’s state capitol is the oldest state capitol building in the US

Virginia’s state capitol building in Richmond is the oldest state capitol building in the United States. It has served as the state capitol since 1788 and is a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture. The building is open to visitors and offers them a unique insight into the state’s history.

Fact 15: Thomas Jefferson’s Library of Congress is located in Virginia

Thomas Jefferson’s Library of Congress is located in Virginia in the Jefferson Memorial. Jefferson was one of the United States’ foremost intellectual figures and his library was of great importance. It contained more than 6,000 volumes on topics ranging from science to philosophy.

Conclusion

Virginia is an amazing state full of incredible history and attractions. From being the birthplace of eight US Presidents, to the world’s largest office building and longest continuous bridge-tunnel, it is sure to leave visitors with plenty to explore. There are so many interesting facts about Virginia that it’s hard to fit them all into one article. But the fifteen facts detailed above certainly capture some of the most interesting and remarkable details about this state that make it so special.