What Size Is Virginia?

Virginia is the 35th largest state in the United States of America in terms of area. It covers 42,769 square miles and extends for about 110 miles west-east and about 300 miles north-south. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Virginia is the 12th most populous state with 8,001,024 people, making it the 10th largest state in terms of population.The Commonwealth of Virginia is known as “the Old Dominion” because it is one of the original 13 British colonies that declared independence during the American Revolution. The state capital of Virginia is Richmond which is located near the geographic center of the state. Virginia is made up of 95 counties, 39 independent cities, and a number of unpopulated areas in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains.

Historical Facts About Virginia

Virginia is rich in history and to this day many battles from the American Revolution and Civil War are still fought in its soil. Jamestown, one of the first English settlements in the U.S., is located in Virginia as is George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. The birthplace of important leaders such as Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, Virginia was also home to important figures such as Chief Powhatan and Abraham Wood among many others. Virginia was colonized by England in 1607 by some of its first settlers, including John Smith and Pocahontas. It was one of the earliest colonies to declare independence, at the time led by George Washington who would later become the first President of the United States. During the Civil War, Virginia declared itself a Confederate state and eventually seceded from the Union (but not before Richmond was named the capital of the Confederacy).

Landscape

Virginia is divided into four distinct regions:

• The Tidewater region is home to numerous bays and inlets surrounding for its coastal cities such as Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake
• The Piedmont plateau is located in northern Virginia and borders North Carolina. It is known for wine country and Thomas Jefferson’s estate of Monticello
• The Blue Ridge Mountains are located in southwestern Virginia on the border with Tennessee and North Carolina
• The Shenandoah Valley separates the Blue Ridge to mountain range. It is located in northwestern Virginia and contains a few national parks

Virginia’s landscape is characterized by lush forests and rolling hills. From its Eastern Shore to its northern Shenandoah Valley, there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, camping, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery. Additionally, with its miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, tourists can enjoy some beach time or visit one of its many historical sites.

Economy and Industries

Virginia’s economy has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. The state has a robust agricultural and manufacturing sector as well as a diversified services sector. Ground zero for information technology companies, Northern Virginia (NOVA) has earned a reputation for its software development and engineering companies. The state also offers numerous opportunities for start-ups seeking to build a business from the ground up due to its numerous incentives and resources available to entrepreneurs. Additionally, Virginia’s booming tourism industry centers around its many historical monuments, natural attractions such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, and metropolitan areas such as Richmond and Alexandria. Attractions like Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon draw tourists from across the US. With numerous beaches along the Atlantic coast ,Virginia also offers tourists an excellent opportunity to spend some time relaxing along its shores.

Interesting Facts About Virginia

Virginia has a rich history that any history buff would enjoy learning more about! Here are some interesting tidbits about The Old Dominion:

• It was the 10th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1788.
• It has one of the largest military installations in the world: Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
• The first commercial winery was established in 1971 in Loudon County.
• Annandale, Virginia is home to the world’s largest collection of moon rocks at the National Air and Space Museum.
• Jamestown Island is considered to be the birthplace of American Democracy.

Drive down any street in Virginia and you will find evidence of history everywhere! Thanks to its strong economy, gorgeous landscapes, vibrant culture, and history-filled cities, it’s no wonder why Virginia continues to be one of the most popular states in America! From young professionals to retirees looking for a peaceful place to call home, Virginia offers something for everyone. DiscoverVirginia.org, an official website for tourism in Virginia has great resources for anyone interested in learning more about what The Old Dominion has to offer!