Few American states have more visible history than Virginia. From the early days of Jamestown to a revolution and civil war, Old Dominion has played a pivotal role in nearly every major event in American history. The state does a great job of showing off that proud heritage today.
History of Virginia
The history of America is closely tied to that of Virginia, particularly during the Colonial period. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America, and since 1607 immigrants have kept coming into the state. Sadly, slavery was also introduced into the future United States in 1619 Virginia, a curse that would lead to a major war fought on her soil two centuries later.
As an English colony Virginia provided agricultural products to the rest of the empire, and its plantation owners and many colonists grew wealthy. Thus, when taxes were raised and England’s influence became heavy-handed, Virginians rose up enthusiastically against the crown and one of their own, George Washington, became leader of first the Continental Army and then the United States of America. The American Revolution ended at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781.
During the early days of the 19th century, slavery was immensely important to Virginia’s agricultural economy. But resentment grew both in the north and among non-slaveholding Virginians. The 1860s American Civil War ravaged Virginia as she both a seat of national government and a bloody battleground for four years. The Confederacy’s ultimate defeat at Appomattox signaled the end of an era.
Today’s Virginia relies heavily on agriculture, government jobs and defense spending. Due to its importance in America’s first century, historical sites abound here and attract millions of visitors each year.
Virginia stretches from the Appalachians to the Atlantic Ocean. The Chesapeake Bay (above) and the Potomac River greatly influenced the state of Virginia.
Top Attractions in Virginia
Appomattox Courthouse – The Civil War ended here civilly.
Yorktown – The American Revolution ended at Yorktown, when George Washington’s army finally got the best of the British.
Williamsburg – A colonial living-history experience unlike any other.
Mt. Vernon – The spectacular estate of America’s first president, George Washington, just a stone’s throw from Washington, D.C.
Shenandoah – National park located in the great Appalachians.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia features the northern section of this scenic parkway.
Attractions Map
Places in Virginia that I have visited and/or recommend to visitors.
