Virginia - US state: history, description and sights

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

One of the 50 US states is called “Little Ireland”. And not only because the ancestors of most of its current inhabitants came from this European country, but also because of the similarity of the natural landscape. This is the state of Virginia. The USA is a country of "assorted" in every respect. This applies to the population, and culture, and the diversity of natural landscapes, and architecture. In Virginia, you can see many quiet and cozy villages-towns, lost among the green hills and meadows, reminiscent of Irish settlements.

Geographic location

Virginia is a state that stretches from the shores of the Atlantic to the Blue Mountain and Allegan ranges. Area - 110,785 km2. Its closest neighbors in territory are the following states: Tennessee, North Carolina, District of Columbia, West Virginia - a state that, like Virginia itself, is included in the 10 western Atlantic regions of the United States, Kentucky (Kentucky). In the east of the state is the Delmarva Peninsula, but it is separated from the “mainland” Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay. By the way, in the coastal zones there are vast territories that have turned into swamps. The western territories of the state are located onslopes of the Appalachians and include the Blue Ridge and the Cumberland Plateau. The water arteries of the state are such rivers as the Potomac, Shenandoah, New River, etc. Most of the territory is covered with mixed forests.

Climate

In terms of its climatic conditions, this region is very diverse, because Virginia is a state that stretches for many kilometers, there are big differences between the weather conditions of the eastern and western parts. For example, closer to the coast, the climate is subtropical humid. But in the west - continental, more severe, with a lot of precipitation, especially in the winter months. There are often thunderstorms, lightning, hurricanes and storms occur near the ocean. Almost every 7 years, Virginia is attacked by a tornado.

Virginia: capital and cities

Richmond is the main city of this Western Atlantic state. The largest cultural and historical centers of the capital are the historical society, which presents expositions about the life of the first settlers in the state, the Art Museum, the Richmond Ballet, the Capitol, Tredegar Iron Works - America's oldest iron foundry. The city has many green areas: more than four dozen parks and gardens. Other major cities are Virginia Beach, Alexandria, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, etc. Each of them is interesting in its own way.

History

The state has official nicknames. For example, it is called “the birthplace of presidents”. After all, it is here, on this earth, that 8 American presidents were born, amongwhom Washington himself, as well as Thomas Jefferson and others. The official motto of the state is the phrase: "Such is the fate of tyrants!" Virginia is a state that is considered filled with history, it was the capital of the confederation, it was here that most of the events of the Civil War period unfolded. And Americans also believe that it was here, in the east of the country, that the first people appeared.

Before the emergence of the United States, Indian tribes lived on the lands of Virginia: the famous Cherokee, Pamunka, Chicahomini, etc. At the end of the 16th century, England began a colonial policy towards North America. It was then that this territory began to be called Virginia, which is translated from Latin as "virgin" - in honor of the Queen of England, Elizabeth I, who had never been married. The first capital of Virginia was Jamestown. Later, at the end of the 18th century, the capital moved to Richmond. After the Civil War, Virginia (state) became the main political center of the United States. After the end of hostilities, industry began to develop here.

Administration

The executive power of the state is in the hands of three persons: the governor of Virginia, the lieutenant governor and the attorney general, who are elected, like the president of the country, for a term of four years. Judges who sit on the State Supreme Court are also elected to 4-year terms.

Attractions

One of Virginia's most beautiful attractions is the Shenandoah National Park. Strange as it may sound, Arlington National Cemetery is alsois a very remarkable place that tourists like to visit. Bush Gardens and the estate of J. Washington - "Mount Vernon" are also of particular interest to them. The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most popular natural attractions. There is a wonderful complex formed from various bridges and tunnels. If you are among them, then there are surreal sensations. By the way, Virginia Beach is the longest in the world, thanks to which it entered the Guinness Book of Records. In the major cities of the state, you can find old, but restored houses of the colonial era with incredibly beautiful architecture. Of great interest to tourists are Jamestown, Williamsburg - the largest historic city in the United States, which has undergone restoration, well, Yorktown.

Natural Attractions

As already noted, Virginia is a US Green Belt state. 60 percent of its territory is occupied by forests, they start on the hills and gently descend to the ocean. This is a real paradise for those who love to be in the bosom of the wild. Deer, foxes, squirrels and possums live here, as well as songbirds and birds of prey. In a word, the rich history and incredible beauty of nature have made Virginia a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.