Virginia
"Sic semper tyrannis"
Nickname
Old Dominion
Capital
Richmond
Statehood
June 25, 1788 (10th)
Motto
Sic semper tyrannis
Explore Virginia
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Virginia
Virginia's history runs from Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, through the Civil War to the present-day federal workforce clustered around Washington, D.C. — a span few states can match within one set of borders. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley give the state's interior a very different character from its coastal and D.C.-suburb regions.
Below, the guides move from that coastal and colonial history inland through the mountains, covering Virginia's cities, history, and economy.