Virginia

Virginia is the 35th Largest among the United States, spanning an area of 39,598 sq mi and water area of 3,171 sq mi. It acquired statehood on June 25, 1788. Virginia is the 10th state of the 50 United States of America. Virginia Named for the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I of England. Virginia is nicknamed the Old Dominion State. The name refers to the addition of Virginia's arms to the shield of King Charles II in 1633.

 
Geography of Virginia

Capital City: Richmond
Population & Density: As per 2004 census estimate, the population is above 7.4 million and its growing everyday. Population density is 178.8 persons per sq mi.
Largest cities: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News, Arlington, Hampton, Alexandria.
Neighbor States: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

State Facts:

Virginia Motto: Thus ever to tyrants
State Symbols: Bird - Cardinal, Fish - Brook Trout, Flower - Dogwood, Tree - Dogwood, Song - Carry Me back to Old Virginny , Written by James Bland

Economy of Virginia

Personal income per Capita - $23,975 (Recent census - 1999)
Agriculture - Cattle, Poultry, Dairy Products, Tobacco, Hogs, Soybeans.
Industry - Transportation Equipment, Textiles, Food Processing, Printing, Electric Equipment, Chemicals.

History of Virginia

During the 1880s, new industries opened in Virginia. Textile, furniture, cigarette, and shipbuilding plants were built. Coal was discovered in southern Virginia. World War II brought new industries to Virginia in 1941. Many government workers of Washington D.C. chose to live in the suburbs of Virginia. Recently, pollution has become a problem in the Chesapeake Bay. State leaders area striving to protect the water and wildlife of the bay. Virginia continues to maintain a strong diversified economy. Industrial growth has expanded into many areas such as chemical, clothing, and computers.

A deep blue field contains the seal of Virginia with the Latin motto " Sic Semper Tyrannis" - "Thus Always to Tyrants". Adopted in 1776. The two figures are acting out the meaning of the motto. Both are dressed as warriors. The woman, Virtue, represents Virginia. The man holding a scourge and chain shows that he is a tyrant. His fallen crown is nearby.

Famous people of Virginia

Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809) and William Clark (1770-1838) They Led a famous expedition to the Pacific ocean; both born in Virginia.
Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849) Author of works such as The Tell-Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher.He lived in Richmond.
Warren Beatty (1937-) Director, actor, producer, writer; born in Richmond.
Roy Clark (1933-) Country music artist, was born in Meherrin.

Interesting Facts about Virginia
  • Because of Virginia's prestige, the Confederate capital was moved on May 21, 1861, from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond.
  • Virginia was the site of the surrenders ending the American Revolution (Yorktown) and the Civil War (Appomattox).
  • Tobacco was once Virginia's sole economic crop.
  • Virginia has had 3 capital cities: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Richmond.
  • Virginia is the home base for the United States Navy's Atlantic Fleet.
 
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