Fun Easy English - Travel the United States of America

CAPITAL CITY: Richmond

BACKGROUND

Virginia was named for Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. Virginia is the tenth one of the original 13 states to join the Union (1788). Virginia holds an important place in American history, as it was home to many of the founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, and Patrick Henry. Four of America's first five presidents were Virginians. During the Civil War, Richmond, Virginia's capital, was the capital of the Confederacy.

Virginia was the site of some of the most important events in American history. The first permanent English settlement was established by the Virginia Company at Jamestown in 1607. Famous homes include George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and tidal rivers offer beach sports, sailing and fishing.

QUICK FACTS

Nickname: Old Dominion

Motto: Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants)

Statehood: June 25, 1788 (10th)

Origin of state's name: Named for England's "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I

Largest Cities: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Chesapeake, Newport News

Border States: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia

Land Area: 39,598 sq. mi., 37th largest

State Bird: Cardinal

State Flower: Dogwood (cornus florida)

State Tree: Dogwood (cornus florida)

State Song:

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Virginia - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.