Virginia was named for Queen Elizabeth I of England, the “Virgin Queen.” Because so many presidents were born here, Virginia has earned the nickname of “The Mother of Presidents.” It is also named or called the Mother of States because eight states have been carved out of the territory once claimed by it. Virginia’s other nickname is the Old Dominion, a name given it because Charles II raised the colony to dominion status for its loyalty to the Crown during English Civil War.

Virginia is bordered in the north by West Virginia and Maryland, east by the Atlantic Ocean, south by North Carolina and Tennessee, and west by Kentucky. The capital of Virginia is Richmond. The largest city found in Virginia is Norfolk City.

Virginia is also the home of the famous “Natural Bridge.” It is a 90-foot arch which spans 215-foot gorge at by Cedar Creek. The bridge, long a tourist attraction, lies on a track of land once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

Located also on the said state is the Virginia Military Institute. This is an accredited state-supported college of arts and sciences for men, occupying a 415-acre campus in Lexington, Virginia. The Institute was established by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1839. Degrees offered are the A.B. in liberal arts, biology (premedicine), and mathematics, and the B.S. in chemistry, physics, mathematics and civil and electrical engineering.

Furthermore, present in the said state is the Virginia Creeper. It is a high-climbing woody vine, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of the grape family, native to North America from New England south to Florida. It is a valuable wall cover, as it clings firmly by means of the adhesive tips of the tendrils, and is especially handsome in its autumn coloring. The leaves are dark green, elliptical, and palmate divided; the flowers are small and greenish; the fruit is bluish black and about ¼ inch in diameter. It is frequently mistaken for poison ivy, but can be distinguished by its five-parted, poison ivy hanging three. The vine is sometimes called woodbine.

Virginia is George Washington’s birthplace. At Pope’s Creek on the Potomac River, was made a national monument in 1939. The present house is a reconstruction of the original building, in which Washington spent the first three years of his life. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are buried in a cemetery about one mile from the house.

Yorktown Battlefield is also located here. It is where Lord Cornwallis, the British commander, surrendered to combine American and French forces on October 19, 1781. This surrender marked the end of the Revolutionary War. The battlefield is part of a 9,400-acre national historical park.

Monticello, an outstanding example of Roman Revival Architecture, was designed and built by Thomas Jefferson between 1770 and 1809. All the materials in the house – even the nails – were fashioned on the spot by Jefferson’s slaves. The interior shoes much evidence of his mechanical ingenuity.

In addition to the prominent Virginians mentioned above, the next are notable for their outstanding contributions to the state.

Byrd, Williams II (1674-1744). He is an author, planter and colonial official. He is born Virginia, brought Huguenots to Manakin. He is a member of House of Burgesses and Council of State and defended the council’s power against Governor Spotswood.

Spotswood, Alexander (1676-1740). He is a colonial administrator. He was born in Tangier. He is a Lieutenant governor of Virginia from the year 1710-1722. He founded iron-works at Germanna; improved tobacco production. He tried to promote peace to the Indians and fought against piracy.

One cannot fully describe on how Virginia, USA is. One has his or her own perceptions of the state’s culture and its people. Virginia is indeed a good place to spend time to travel to.

fourth, James Monroe – fifth, William Harrison – ninth, John Tyler – tenth, Zachary Taylor – twelfth, and Woodrow Wilson – twenty eighth president.

Virginia is a southeastern US state located in the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It ranks as the 12^th most populated state in the US with a population of 7.7 million as of 2007 estimates. Virginia also ranks 35^th in terms of the territorial area with its population scattered in a population density of 69.4 per square kilometer.

Named after the Queen Elizabeth I – the Virgin Queen of England, Virginia was founded in 1607 as first English colony in the new world. Considered as one of the most historic states in the US, Virginia was one of American Revolution’s thirteen colonies and part of the American Civil War’s Confederacy. Richmond is Virginia’s capital city.

Virginia’s typical weather is sub-tropical, mostly humid and with temperate rainfall all year round. During summer months, the average temperature rarely exceeds 32 degrees centigrade – considerably pleasant and with mild, snowy winter.

Gifted with rich history and famous people, Virginia is also a great historical and tourist destination. Here are the must-see places in Virginia.

• Arlington National Cemetery – with the burning eternal flame at John F. Kennedy’s grave site.
• Iwo Jima Marine Memorial – a symbol for the heroes of U.S. Marine Corps who died for America during the Second World War.
• Mount Vernon Estate – is the Mansion house of the first U.S. President – George Washington. Its garden is famous for its beauty overlooking Potomac River.
• Edgar Allan Poe Museum – located in Richmond and houses the relics and writings of the famous writer. It also contains many of Poe’s personal belongings and a center for his fans.
• Monticello, Ash Lawn, Montpelier – beautiful mansions owned by other U.S. Presidents – Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison respectively.
• Potomac River – a very scenic and historical river in the U.S. with views of Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Washington DC captivated the tourist cruising on the river.
• Norfolk – considered the largest among the world’s naval bases. USS Wisconsin – the last battleship made by the US navy is stationed here.
• Blue-Ridge Mountains – the scenic mountain crest where most tourists enjoy canoeing along the Shenandoah Park, hiking, horse riding, and many other activities.

Aside from its historical importance, Virginia has many interesting, colorful facts and trivia. Here are some quick facts and trivia on Virginia.

• The state dictum is “Sic Semper Tyrannis”.
• The first peanut in the U.S. was grown in Virginia.
• Virginia’s major crop is tobacco and its industry is the main livelihood for many of Virginia’s people.
• Richmond is Virginia’s capital but its most populated city is Virginia Beach.
• Jamestown is the earliest settlement of the English and is also Virginia’s first capital.
• Seven US Presidents were laid to rest in Virginia: Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Monroe, Taft, Tyler, and Kennedy.
• Aside from eight (8) US Presidents born in Virginia, six (6) President’s wives were also born in Virginia: Martha Washington, Rachel Jackson, Martha Jefferson, Letitia Tyler, Edith Wilson, and Ellen Arthur.
• The City of Richmond – its capital was also the Confederacy’s capital.
• Virginia hosted the end of American Revolution with Cornwallis’ surrender and the site of its final victory.
• Virginia is the center of American Civil War with more than half of battles fought here.
• The Virginia is the site of the North Americas first Thanksgiving.
• Virginia is the home of the only museum for Oyster in the world and the biggest bridge-tunnel.
• Virginia is the home of NATO’s headquarters for the Atlantic.
• Virginia is considered the World’s Internet Capital.
• The Pentagon is situated in Arlington, Virginia.
• Virginia’s airport Dulles is one of the world’s busiest airports.
• Virginia is nicknamed the “Old Dominion” by the King of England Charles II for its loyalty during the time of “The Restoration”.
• The world’s largest Shipyard is located in Virginia.