Virginia – Eloray

George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, Virginia (otherspice, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Let’s Visit Virginia

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Virginia
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Virginia

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Virginia.

Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg) is famous for being a living-history museum where visitors can step back in time to experience 18th-century America with costumed interpreters, restored buildings, and reenactments of colonial life.
Shenandoah National Park (Luray) is known for its breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the scenic Skyline Drive, and over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail.
Monticello (Charlottesville) is the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president. The UNESCO World Heritage site offers insights into Jefferson’s life, architecture, and the history of slavery.
Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington) is one of the most famous military cemeteries in the U.S., where notable figures, including President John F. Kennedy, are buried. It’s also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon) is the historic estate of George Washington, the first U.S. president. It provides a look into Washington’s personal life and the plantation’s operations during the 18th century.
Luray Caverns (Luray) is renowned for its impressive underground formations, including towering stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the Great Stalacpipe Organ, an instrument made from the cave’s natural formations.
Virginia Beach Boardwalk (Virginia Beach) is famous for its long stretch of sandy beaches, bustling boardwalk, and vibrant seaside attractions, making it a top destination for beachgoers.
Jamestown Settlement (Jamestown) is known as the site of the first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607. The museum and historic site offer interactive exhibits and reenactments of early colonial life.
Appomattox Court House (Appomattox) is historically significant as the site where Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War.
The Pentagon (Arlington) is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and one of the largest office buildings in the world. Visitors can take tours to learn about military history and national defense.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about Virginia.

Virginia Is Known as the “Mother of Presidents”
Eight U.S. presidents were born in Virginia, more than any other state, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, making it a significant place in U.S. political history.
The First English Colony in America Almost Failed
The Jamestown settlement, founded in 1607, was the first permanent English colony, but it nearly collapsed due to starvation, disease, and conflict with local Native American tribes. The settlers survived only after learning to grow tobacco.
Virginia Has Its Own “Stonehenge” Made of Foam
In Natural Bridge, Virginia, there’s a quirky roadside attraction called Foamhenge, a full-scale replica of Stonehenge made entirely of foam. It’s a fun and unusual twist on the ancient monument.
The Pentagon Has Twice as Many Bathrooms as Needed
The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, was built with twice as many bathrooms as necessary because it was constructed during segregation in the 1940s, when separate bathrooms were required for Black and white employees.
Colonial Williamsburg Hosts a Ghost Tour
Colonial Williamsburg is famous for its historic reenactments, but it’s also rumored to be haunted. The town offers ghost tours where visitors can hear spooky stories about colonial spirits and unexplained events.
Virginia Has a Law Against Tickle Torture
In Virginia, it is technically illegal to tickle a woman. Though rarely enforced, this odd law is part of the state’s long list of strange and outdated laws.
You Can Drive Through a Mountain
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia have a road called Skyline Drive, where drivers can actually pass through tunnels carved into the mountains. It’s a scenic and unique experience in the state’s beautiful landscapes.
Edgar Allan Poe Called Virginia Home
The famous writer Edgar Allan Poe spent much of his life in Richmond, Virginia. His mysterious and macabre tales, like “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” were influenced by his time in the state.
Virginia Has a Festival Dedicated to Chincoteague Ponies
Every year, the Chincoteague Pony Swim takes place, where wild ponies are herded across a channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. It’s a unique and historic event that draws thousands of visitors.
The World’s Longest Continuous Bridge-Tunnel Is in Virginia
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is the longest of its kind, stretching over 17 miles and connecting the state’s Eastern Shore to the mainland. It’s an engineering marvel and offers spectacular views of the bay.

Notable People

Famous Virginians

Here are 10 famous men and women from Virginia.

Famous Men

George Washington (1732–1799) was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, and became the first President of the United States. He is known as the Father of His Country for leading the nation to independence and serving as its first leader.
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was born in Shadwell, Virginia, and was the third President of the United States. He is famous for writing the Declaration of Independence and for founding the University of Virginia.
James Madison (1751–1836) was born in Port Conway, Virginia, and became the fourth President of the United States. He is known as the Father of the Constitution for his role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) was born in Stratford Hall, Virginia, and became the commanding general of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He remains a controversial figure due to his role in the war and his legacy in Southern history.
Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) was born into slavery in Hale’s Ford, Virginia, and became one of the most influential African American educators and leaders in U.S. history. He founded Tuskegee Institute and advocated for the economic advancement of Black Americans.

Famous Women

Pocahontas (1596–1617) was born in what is now Virginia and became famous for her role in mediating relations between Native Americans and English settlers in Jamestown. She is known for saving the life of Englishman John Smith.
Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) was born in Newport News, Virginia, and became one of the greatest jazz singers in history, known as the First Lady of Song. She won 14 Grammy Awards and is celebrated for her vocal range and improvisational skill.
Maggie L. Walker (1864–1934) was born in Richmond, Virginia, and became the first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president. She was a leader in the civil rights and women’s rights movements.
Anne Spencer (1882–1975) was born in Henry County, Virginia, and became a prominent poet of the Harlem Renaissance. She is known for her lyrical poetry and civil rights activism.
Grace Hopper (1906–1992) was born in New York City but grew up in Arlington, Virginia. She was a pioneering computer scientist and U.S. Navy rear admiral, known for her work in developing the first computer compiler and contributing to the creation of COBOL, an early programming language.

Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/

Admission to the Union

June 25, 1788 (10th)

State Capital and Government

Virginia State Capitol Building in Richmond (Martin Kraft, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Richmond
Government of Virginia

Area and Total Population

Area: 39,490 square miles

Total Population: 8,326,000

Major cities and their population

City	Population
Virginia Beach	454,000
Chesapeake	254,000
Arlington	236,000
Norfolk	231,000
Richmond	229,000
Newport News	188,000
Alexandria	155,000
Roanoke	97,000
Lynchburg	80,000