Discover Virginia News

  Virginia, officially the **Commonwealth of Virginia**, is a state in the **Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern** regions of the United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies and became the **10th state** to ratify the U.S. Constitution on June 25, 1788. With a population of approximately **8.88 million** as of July 2025 (12th in the U.S.), it covers about 42,775 square miles (37th in area) and features 95 counties plus 38 independent cities.

### Geography and Climate

Virginia borders Maryland and Washington, D.C., to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay to the east, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, Kentucky to the west, and West Virginia to the northwest. Its diverse landscape includes the **Tidewater** (coastal plain with beaches and wetlands), the rolling **Piedmont** hills, the **Blue Ridge Mountains**, and the Appalachian region in the west. Major rivers include the Potomac, James, Shenandoah, and Roanoke. The climate is generally humid subtropical in the east (mild winters, hot summers) and more continental in the mountains (cooler with occasional snow). This supports beaches, hiking, wineries, and historic sites.

Major cities include:

- **Virginia Beach** — the most populous city (around 452,000–459,000).

- **Chesapeake**, **Norfolk**, **Arlington**, **Richmond** (the state capital), and **Newport News**.

- Northern Virginia (including parts of Fairfax County) is a major population center tied to the D.C. metro area.

### History

Virginia was the site of the first permanent English settlement at **Jamestown** in 1607. It played a central role in the American Revolution and early U.S. history, producing eight presidents (more than any other state, earning the nickname **Mother of Presidents**). Key figures include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, making Virginia a primary battleground. The state later contributed to Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern growth through federal employment and technology. Its motto, **"Sic Semper Tyrannis"** ("Thus Always to Tyrants"), reflects its revolutionary roots.

### Culture and Famous For

Virginia blends Southern hospitality, colonial heritage, Appalachian traditions, and modern suburban/urban energy:

- **Nicknames**: The **Old Dominion** (oldest, from its loyalty to the English crown), **Mother of Presidents**, and **Mother of States**.

- **History and Heritage** — Iconic sites like Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's estate), Appomattox Court House, and numerous Civil War battlefields.

- **Food** — Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and oysters, Virginia ham (especially country ham biscuits), peanuts, wine from the Shenandoah Valley and other regions, and Southern/Appalachian dishes.

- **Outdoors and Recreation** — Beaches (Virginia Beach), Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and river rafting.

- **Other** — State symbols include the dogwood (flower and tree), northern cardinal (bird), and American foxhound (dog). The culture emphasizes history, military presence (many bases), and a mix of progressive urban areas with more traditional rural ones.

The "Virginia is for Lovers" slogan captures its romantic appeal for history buffs, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts.

### Economy

Virginia's economy is strong and diversified:

- **Federal Government and Defense** — The largest employer, with significant military installations and agencies in Northern Virginia.

- **Technology and Professional Services** — Booming in the D.C. suburbs (data centers, cybersecurity, consulting).

- **Agriculture and Ports** — Peanuts, tobacco history, poultry, soybeans; Hampton Roads is one of the nation's busiest ports.

- **Manufacturing, Tourism, and Healthcare** — Also key contributors.

It often ranks high in economic metrics, with growth driven by Northern Virginia, though regional disparities exist between affluent suburbs and more rural areas.

### Government and Current Notes (as of March 2026)

- **Governor**: Abigail Spanberger (Democrat), the first woman to hold the office, inaugurated in January 2025/early 2026.

- Virginia operates as a commonwealth with a General Assembly (bicameral legislature). In 2026, Democrats held unified control (trifecta) for the session.

- The 2026 legislative session adjourned sine die in mid-March without a final budget agreement due to disputes (including over data center tax breaks). Lawmakers passed many bills on affordability, immigration, unions, elections, and other priorities under Governor Spanberger's "Affordable Virginia Agenda." She has until mid-April to act on bills, with a reconvene planned for late April to address the budget. Focus areas included lowering costs for families, education, and economic growth.

For visitors, the official tourism site is **Virginia.org** ("Virginia is for Lovers"), offering guides to beaches, mountains, historic sites, wineries, small towns, and scenic drives. Highlights include Virginia Beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, and vibrant neighborhoods in Richmond or Arlington.

Pictured: Jamestown Church, partially built in 1639 in Jamestown, Virginia, is one of the oldest surviving buildings built by Europeans in the original thirteen colonies that became the United States. It is part of Jamestown National Historic Site, and is owned by the Preservation Virginia (formerly known as the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities).

The first church on the site was constructed in 1617. It was in this church where the first Representative Legislative Assembly met, which convened there on July 30, 1619.

Construction on the current church tower began in 1639 taking 4 years to complete. The rest of the original church was destroyed after abandonment in 1750 when a new church was built 3 miles away.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamestown_Church