Virginia ( The Old Dominion ) Virginia was named for Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. Virginia is the tenth one of the original 13 states to join the Union (1788). Virginia holds an important place in American history, as it was home to many of the founding fathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, and Patrick Henry. Four of America's first five presidents were Virginians. During the Civil War, Richmond, Virginia's capital, was the capital of the Confederacy. Virginia was the site of some of the most important events in American history. The first permanent English settlement was established by the Virginia Company at Jamestown in 1607. Famous homes include George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and tidal rivers offer beach sports, sailing and fishing. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Virginia include: Alonzo Mourning, George Washington, Joseph Cotten, Allen Iverson, The Flag of Virginia Ratified the Constitution in 1788 as the 10th State, flag adopted in 1861. The Latin motto is reflected in the design of the seal, which shows a woman subduing a king. Around the edges are vines of the ivy known as Virginia creeper.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Virginia Beach, 425,257; Norfolk, 234,403; Chesapeake, 199,184; Richmond, 197,790; Newport News, 180,150; Hampton CDP, 146,437; Alexandria, 128,283; Portsmouth, 100,565; Roanoke, 94,911; Lynchburg, 65,269   Business and Trade in Virginia Agriculture: Cattle, poultry, dairy products, tobacco, hogs, soybeans. Industries: Cattle, poultry, dairy products, tobacco, hogs, soybeans. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Cardinal Flower: Dogwood (cornus florida) Tree: Dogwood (cornus florida) Song(s): Motto: Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants) Virginia Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Holliday Lake State Park - Appomattox • Eastern Shore Of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge - Cape Charles • George Washington Birthplace National Monument - Washington's Birthplace • Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial - McLean • Lake Anna State Park - Spotsylvania

Capital: Richmond     Local Weather  Statehood: 1788-06-25  Population: 7,078,515 (178.8 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 42,774.20     Water 3,180.13     Land 39,594.07     Rank 37th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In Virginia, there are 2,904,192 housing units, averaging to 73.3 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Virginia Wildlife   Posters and Artwork Boardwalk and Biplanes, Ocean View, Virginia Art Print 17" x 11" • University of Virginia, Charlottesville Art Print 17" x 11" • Woodland View and Falls in Autumn, Virginia Photographic Print 36" x 48" • Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, Virginia Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Virginia Tech Art Print 32" x 18" • High Street and Public Walk, Harper's Ferry, West Virginia Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14"