 Virginia
Information
Capital
City: Richmond
Economy:
Population: 7,187,734
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich
Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first
Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October
Virginia's Flag:
A deep blue field contains the seal of Virginia with the
Latin motto " Sic Semper Tyrannis" - "Thus Ever to
Tyrants". Adopted in 1776. The two figures are acting out the
meaning of the motto. Both are dressed as warriors. The woman, Virtue,
represents Virginia. The man holding a scorge and chain shows that
he is a tyrant. His fallen crown is nearby. From 50states.com.
History
of Virginia:
The history of America is closely tied to that of Virginia, particularly
in the Colonial period. Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first
permanent English settlement in North America and slavery was introduced
there in 1619. The surrenders ending both the American Revolution
(Yorktown) and the Civil War (Appomattox) occurred in Virginia.
The state is called the “Mother of Presidents” because
eight chief executives of the United States were born there. Today,
Virginia has a large number of diversified manufacturing industries,
including transportation equipment, textiles, food processing, and
printing. Other important lines are electronic and other electric
equipment, chemicals, apparel, lumber and wood products, furniture,
and industrial machinery and equipment. Agriculture remains an important
sector in the Virginia economy and the state ranks among the top
10 in the U.S. in tomatoes, tobacco, peanuts, summer potatoes, turkeys,
apples, broilers, and sweet potatoes. Other crops include corn,
vegetables, and barley. Famous for Smithfield hams, Virginia also
has a large dairy industry. Coal mining accounts for roughly 75%
of Virginia's mineral output, and lime, kyanite, and stone are also
mined. Points of interest include Mt. Vernon and other places associated
with George Washington; Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Stratford,
home of the Lees; Richmond, capital of the Confederacy and of Virginia;
and Williamsburg, the restored Colonial capital. The Chesapeake
Bay Bridge-Tunnel spans the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, connecting
Cape Charles with Norfolk. Consisting of a series of low trestles,
two bridges and two mile-long tunnels, the complex is 18 miles (29
km) long. It was opened in 1964. Other attractions are the Shenandoah
National Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military
Park, the Booker T. Washington birthplace near Roanoke, Arlington
House (the Robert E. Lee Memorial), the Skyline Drive, and the Blue
Ridge National Parkway.
Other Virginia Links:
Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Tourism
Virginia Institute
of Government
Virginia Municipal League
Virginia State Library
Virginia Tourism Corporation
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