One of the original Thirteen Colonies, Virginia has a fascinating past for visitors to explore having played a key role in everything from the American Revolutionary War and Civil War to the drafting of the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Aside from learning about its pioneers and presidents or the antebellum period and Native Americans, there are a vast array of equally arresting cities, landscapes, and historic sites for you to explore and enjoy.
Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains to the west and Atlantic to the east, the Old Dominion is surrounded by Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia with the capital Washington D.C. also bordering it. Defined in large part by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and colossal Chesapeake Bay, the Mid-Atlantic state is divided into five geographical regions with coastal plains and barrier islands lying alongside cave riddled valleys, ridges, and mountains.
As it was the first place to be settled in the States in 1607, the Commonwealth of Virginia has a very rich history, heritage, and culture for visitors to delve into. Known not just as the ‘Mother of States’ but the ‘Mother of Presidents’ too, it has contributed immensely to the development and governance of the country as over the centuries eight presidents have hailed from the state.
While traveling around visitors will therefore come across countless historic sights and cultural landmarks with its towns and cities being jam packed with impressive monuments, memorials and museums. Asides from seeing Civil War sites in Fredericksburg or at the capital Richmond, you can also explore the enormous and atmospheric cemetery at Arlington or amble around the huge historic districts of Colonial Williamsburg and Charlottesville.
After having enjoyed the sunny shores and laidback resorts of Virginia Beach, it is also well worth hiking, biking, or driving along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway or exploring the absolutely stunning scenery and landscapes of Shenandoah National Park.
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