Travel Notes: North America - United States - Virginia Travel Notes.
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Virginia whispers of a storied past; a land where presidents walked and revolutions brewed. Explore coastal charm, natural beauty, and unexpected wonders.
Virginia is a state with a rich history, diverse geography, thriving economy, and vibrant culture, making it a significant and influential part of the United States.
Also known as the Old Dominion State, Charles II of England quartered the arms of Virginia on his shield in 1663; thus adding Virginia to his dominions of France, Ireland and Scotland.
States neighbouring Virginia: North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Maryland.
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Mapping Virginia
Virginia has a diverse geography, ranging from the Atlantic coastline and Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west.
The Shenandoah Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.
The state capital of Virginia is Richmond. Other major cities include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Alexandria.
County Map of Virginia
Colourful map of Virginia showing the location of all 95 counties.
Accomack, Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, Amherst, Appomattox, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Brunswick, Buchanan, Buckingham, Campbell, Caroline, Carroll, Charles City, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dickenson, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, Henry, Highland, Isle of Wight, James, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Lee, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Montgomery, Nelson, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Richmond, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Southampton, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Sussex, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland, Wise, Wythe and York.
Virginia Overview
Virginia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state located in the south-eastern region of the United States, bordered by Maryland to the north-east; North Carolina to the south; Tennessee to the south-west; Kentucky and West Virginia to the west.
Virginia offers a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historic sites, museums, and landmarks.
Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello (the home of Thomas Jefferson), Mount Vernon (the home of George Washington), and Arlington National Cemetery are among the many popular tourist attractions in the state.
Virginia also has a vibrant arts scene, music festivals, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Virginia's economy is diverse, with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, government, military, technology, and tourism playing important roles.
Northern Virginia, particularly the suburbs of Washington, D.C., is a major hub for technology companies and government contractors.
Virginia is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including the University of Virginia (founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819), Virginia Tech, William & Mary, and George Mason University; a public research university located in Fairfax.
Virginia played a significant role in the early history of the United States.
It was one of the original thirteen colonies and was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America, Jamestown, established in 1607.
Virginia also played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War, as well as the Civil War.
Virginia has been a key battleground state in national politics due to its swing state status.
While historically conservative, Virginia has become increasingly competitive in statewide elections; with demographic shifts and urbanisation contributing to a more diverse political landscape.
Visiting Virginia - Virginia Highlights
Uncover the rich history and captivating charm of Virginia with its historic landmarks, colonial architecture, and fascinating museums.
Virginia was the site of many significant Civil War battles.
Visit places like Manassas National Battlefield Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, and Petersburg National Battlefield.
The Spotsylvania National Military Park serves as a reminder to the 1862 battle of Fredericksberg.
Step back in time and experience life in colonial America at this living history museum.
You can interact with costumed interpreters, watch craftsmen at work, and explore historic buildings.
Virginia played a crucial role in American history, so exploring its historic sites is a must.
Visit Colonial Williamsburg, where you can immerse yourself in 18th-century life.
Nearby, don't miss Jamestown Settlement; the first permanent English settlement in North America, and Yorktown Battlefield; where the American Revolution ended.
Virginia is known for its Southern cuisine, but its culinary scene goes beyond that.
Don't miss trying Virginia ham, Chesapeake Bay seafood, and dishes featuring locally grown produce.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is located near Charlottesville.
Thomas Jefferson was a self-taught architect and you can see some of his ideas in his former home.
Tour his beautiful estate, explore the gardens, and learn about one of America's founding fathers.
George Washington's Mount Vernon estate and burial place, near Alexandria, overlooks the Potomac River.
Tour the mansion, stroll through the gardens, and learn about Washington's life and legacy.
There's also a presidential museum focusing on the last ten years of his life. He died in 1799.
Virginia's capital city has a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with plenty of historical sites.
Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, stroll along the Canal Walk, and explore the historic neighbourhoods of Church Hill and Jackson Ward.
If you love the outdoors, Shenandoah National Park offers stunning scenery and plenty of hiking trails.
The Skyline Drive offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you're looking for a beach getaway, Virginia Beach offers miles of sandy shoreline, a lively boardwalk, and plenty of water sports and activities.
Virginia has a burgeoning wine and craft beer scene.
Take a tour of some of the state's wineries and breweries, especially in regions like Charlottesville and Loudoun County.
Richmond
'Give me liberty or give me death'! declared Patrick Henry from St John's Episcopal Church, in 1775.
The State Capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson in the style of a Roman temple in Nimes, France.
Located at the head of navigation on the James River, Richmond became the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1780 and the Confederate capital in 1861.
During the American Civil War, Union troops succeeded in occupying the city under the leadership of General Ulysses S. Grant.
The Richmond National Battlefield Park (3215 E. Broad St.) commemorates the American Civil War battles fought over possession of the Confederate capital.
As well as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, museums in Richmond include the Museum of the Confederacy and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
Commonwealth of Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia is one of the South Atlantic states and was probably named after Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the Virgin Queen.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation promotes Virginia as a premier travel destination through placements in local, regional, and national media.
Their current marketing slogan is: Virginia is For Lovers.
The first permanent English settlement in North America was established at Jamestown, in 1607.
Virginia is also the birthplace of eight American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown make up the Historic Triangle of Virginia and are well represented by world-class accommodations, attractions, restaurants and golf courses.
The beautiful City of Williamsburg is a family destination significant for much more than just its' prestigious historical past.
The historic area of Colonial Williamsburg recreates the atmosphere and lifestyle of Virginia’s colonial capital city.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is served by Norfolk International Airport and there's an interstate highway all the way to the oceanfront, with several alternative routes available in the event of unusually heavy traffic.
Virginia Beach features a 300-foot beach, a three-mile long oceanfront Boardwalk, historic landmarks, exciting attractions, manicured golf courses, parks and wildlife habitats.
Seaside lodging with spectacular views and dining experiences with succulent seafood abound, and the resort city's mild climate makes it an ideal vacation spot any season of the year.
Arlington
Situated on the opposite side of the Potomac River to Washington, DC, Arlington is a residential suburb of the nation's capital and accommodates many United States government offices and Washington National Airport.
Arlington is worth considering as a base when visiting the National Capital area.
Apart from offering over forty hotels in a wide price range, great shopping and dining, there's also plenty to see in Arlington as well.
The Arlington National Cemetery holds the ceremonially guarded Tomb of the Unknowns.
Charlottesville
The lands of Charlottesville and Albemarle County are still infused with the revolutionary ideals of the founding fathers who once called it home.
Monticello, the estate of President Thomas Jefferson; Montpelier, the home of President James Madison; and Highland, the home of President James Monroe; are all located in the Charlottesville area.
Other historical gems worth a visit are the Historic Court Square and Michie Tavern (near Monticello).
New Point Comfort
New Point Comfort is a windswept peninsula at the southernmost point of Mathews County, Virginia.
Renowned for its beaches, salt marshes and forested wetlands, this tiny strip of land is also home to a wide variety of coastal and marine plants and animals.
Just offshore its southern point, on a tiny rock covered island, the legendary New Point Comfort lighthouse still warns Chesapeake Bay mariners of the shallow shoals that lie below.
Virginia Travel Guides
Virginia Travel Guides - Virginia Maps.
About Virginia
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Find out more about Virginia before you travel there.
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