What Virginia is known for

The state of Virginia is rich with the history that comes from the early days of the United States of America. People often also refer to the state as "The Birthplace of a Nation." Virginia sits on the country's eastern coast, which provided access to the sea and led the early settlers to land in Virginia. The territory was one of the original thirteen colonies.[2] A well-known attribute of the region is it being the home of the first successful settlement in America, Jamestown, VA. Before the city of Jamestown was established, another attempt to settle the new land was made in Roanoke, located in the North Carolina area. In an effort to establish another settlement, the ships landed near Roanoke and called the new land Virginia after Queen Elizabeth because she was known as the "Virgin Queen." The first child born in the new world was named Virginia Dare after their new home and country. The name stuck for the state, and now Virginia is home to many of the early battles, wars, and history of the United States of America.[3]

Jamestown, Virginia, is located near the east coast and sits on the James River. The town is still thriving today and accumulates many guests and tourists who desire to learn about American history. Jamestown was founded on May 14, 1607, 169 years before the founding of the nation. Other attractions of the state include Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, and Arlington National Cemetery. Shenandoah National Park is known for the Skyline Drive that runs along the Appalachian Mountains for 105 miles.[4] Arlington National Cemetary is one of the most significant historical draws for tourists. The land became a cemetery after Edwin Stanton ordered it to be erected in 1864. The national cemetery is the resting place of soldiers from as early as the civil war to present-day and famous people in our history such as John F. Kennedy. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a historical monument dedicated to the remains of unknown soldiers and is continuously guarded through every hour of the day. The changing of the guard happens at least once every hour, each time saluting the tomb.[5]

Virginia has a total population of 8,535,519 people; 69.4% are white, 19.9% African American, and 9.8% Hispanic.[6] Of the people to live in the state, 55% do not affiliate with a religion, which contrasts with the state's early days. When the state was first founded, the Church of England was the established church, but the American Revolution provided religious freedom from the state and nation. People often think the culture of Virginia to be southern due to the locals' accents and attribute the same culture to the territory's food. Such food consists of Virginia Ham, Marble Cake (which originated in the state), and Virginia Wine.[4]

The most prominent companies and establishments in the state include the United States Army, Dollar Tree, and Hilton, which add to the current economy. The state's primary sources of income mostly come from farming crops such as cattle, tobacco, and peanut farming. Wineries also contribute, as well as the seafood industry along the coast. When Europe was first trying to settle in the New World, success eluded them until they created a strong economy through the growth of tobacco. Another contributing factor to the economy of Virginia is the tourism industry.[4]

The largest tourist attraction in the state is Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, located in the center of Virginia.[7] Within the park, the hiking trails are what usually draw people to the region. Another draw is some of the earliest historic buildings in the nation, such as past presidents' homes. Such structures include Geroge Washington's Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson's Primary Plantation Monticello, Bacon's Castle, and the Old City Hall building. With so much to see when visiting the state, it is recommended that the best time to come is between April to October. These months in the state are warm and subtropical, perhaps making it an ideal tourist temperature.[8] 

Geography

Virginia is located on the eastern coast of the United States, with Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee bordering the state. Since the state is located on the coast, the highest elevation only reaches a peak of 950 feet. The land is made up of mountain ranges, bays, and plains. The climate and geography are heavily influenced by the Chesapeake Bay and the Blue Ridge Mountains. These two geographical features make up most of the habitats for the flora and fauna found in the state.[4]

Activities are abundant in the famous Blue Ridge Mountains. The most popular excursions include hiking the Triple Crown or to the Roanoke Star, mountain biking, driving the parkway, touring Luray Caverns, and fishing in Sherando Lake.[7] The Chesapeake Bay also includes activities such as visiting Point Lookout State Park and driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel which is 17.6 miles long. Both locations are known by many for their natural beauty and are a place for people to visit, relax, and enjoy the nature and wildlife surrounding them.[7]

Mammalian species in Virginia include gray foxes, opossum, raccoon, white-tailed (Virginia) deer, elk, black bear, bobcat, and woodchucks. There are 56 animals listed as endangered in Virginia, including the Delmarva Peninsula fox, Virginia northern flying squirrels, the bald eagle, and the Virginia fringed mountain snail. The state also has native plants such as twelve different oaks; five pine, two walnut, locust, gum, and pines. Fifteen plants are considered endangered including the Virginia round-leaf birch, harperella, small whorled pogonia, and northeastern bulrush.[9]

The climate of Virginia is called subtropical due to the humidity that comes from the surrounding oceans, Chesapeake Bay, and rivers. Most people enjoy the weather in Virginia because even with the humidity, the temperature is not too hot and not too cold, often being described as the "Goldilocks Climate."  The state has five distinct climate regions, Southwestern Mountian Climate, Western Mountain Climate, Northern Virginia Climate, Piedmont Climate, and Tidewater Climate Regions. The temperature in the area ranges anywhere from the high 80's to the low 20's throughout the year. The state sees around 115 rainy days per year, with an average of 44 inches of precipitation. Snowfall is most likely to occur in the Western and Southwestern Mountain Climate Regions.[8]

History

The history of the state of Virginia plays a part in what has led the United States of America to what it is today. The early settlers of the new world tried and failed to settle the land in multiple places; one of the most well-known failed cities is Roanoke. It wasn't until the city of Jamestown was established that pioneers of the new world found success. In 1607, the new settlers landed in the Virginia area and established Jamestown, becoming the first of the thirteen colonies in America. The city's success is accredited to the planting and harvesting of tobacco; growing a cash crop that built the economy and left them with a means to survive.[4] 

Native Americans were the first people of the land, of which the most prominent tribe during the 16th century was the Powhatan people. The relations between Cheif Powhatan and the early settlers are well-known in a fantasized rendition of the Disney movie Pocahontas. But in the real story, Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan's daughter, does not marry John Smith, who had close communications with Powhatan himself. After violent and contentious times, Pocahonatos had her father's blessing to marry John Rolfe, an English Colonist, which ensued a period of peaceful relations between the two groups.[10]

The Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, and Virginia played a considerable role during the war. The state was home to some of the United State's founding fathers, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, and other famous revolutionaries such as Patrick Henry, who said, "Give me liberty or give me death." Some of the most important battles were fought on the soil of Virginia, such as the Battle of Great Bridge, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Battle of Yorktown. It was at the Battle of Yorktown that the British surrendered, and the Americans won. After the victory of the Revolutionary War, Virginia was established as the tenth state on June 25, 1788. Several significant battles during the civil war also took place in Virginia. During the war between states, Virginia seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. The capital of the Confederacy was relocated to Richmond, Virginia, which is where the state's capital is located.[1]

Virginia is located near the nation's capital, Washington DC, which has resulted in government institutions being stationed in the state. One such building includes the Pentagon, located in Arlington, also located in the city is Arlington National Cemetery. The first "Decoration Day," now known as Memorial Day, was held at the cemetery on May 30, 1868.[5] The Pentagon is the headquarters of the Department of Defense for the nation and is now associated with the fateful tragedy of 9/11. On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked by terrorists and flown into the Pentagon. Unfortunately, all passengers aboard the plane, and 125 people inside the government building, were killed.[11]

The events of those days are reported to be etched onto the hearts of those living in the surrounding area and the whole nation. This event in Virginia, and the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on that same day, are considered the worst incidents of terrorism on U.S. soil in the history of the United States. The Pentagon was rebuilt within a year of the attack, but the events that unfolded will forever be a part of American history. The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial is located outside the Pentagon, where people can visit and remember the event and those who were lost by sitting on the benches dedicated to those who died. There is a bench for every person who lost their lives, arranged from youngest to oldest.[11] 

Virginia continues to grow every year; there has been a 7.9% increase in the past ten years, making the total population 8,535,519 people. The area has continued to have a strong European influence since the first settlers arrived in 1607, making the current white population 69.4%. The Native American population has decreased significantly to 0.5% despite being the first inhabitants of the land.[6]