Virginia is located on the east coast of the USA and historically belonged to the so-called Thirteen Colonies. The capital is Richmond, home to 220,000 residents.
According to Acronymmonster, Virginia is on the west coast of the United States and is home to approximately 8.5 million people. The immediate neighboring states are Washington DC, Maryland, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Notable natural formations in Virginia include the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west and the Chesapeake Bay on the eastern coast of Virginia. The state is known for a mild climate that is reminiscent of many European countries with typical fluctuations between -3 and 30 ° C. But the exposed coastal location can sometimes lead to hurricanes. The capital of Virginia is Richmond with about 220,000 residents.
The history of the US coastal state
As is typical for North America, various indigenous tribes lived in the territory of what is now Virginia well before European settlement. The prominent residents included the more than 30 tribes of the so-called Powhatan Confederation, to whose formation the chief Wahunsenacawh contributed significantly. With the European colonization, Virginia belonged to the so-called Thirteen Colonies on the North American east coast from the 16th century, which later founded the United States. In the 17th and 18th centuries, fur, tobacco and the slave trade contributed to a prosperous Virginia, and slavery did not end until the American Civil War. In the American Civil War, Virginia was part of the confederation that formed between the southern states. The great writer Edgar Allan Poe spent much of his youth and student years in Virginia and lived in Richmond for a long time. With the Virginia General Assembly founded in the early 17th century, the US state has the oldest still existing legislative body in the “New World”.
Virginia cities and landmarks
Virginia’s most populated city is Virginia Beach on the coast with over 430,000 residents. This is followed by cities such as Norfolk (240,000), Chesapeake (240,000), Arlington (250,000) and Richmond. Virginia’s Tidewater Region is considered to be the most densely populated part of the state. With Shenandoah, Virginia has a 322 km² national park with wild black bears, coyotes and occasional pumas.
Largest Counties in Virginia by Area
According to Countryaah, the biggest counties in Virginia are listed as below:
| Ranking | County | Area |
| 1 | Pittsylvania County | 2,533 km2 |
| 2 | Augusta County | 2,515 km2 |
| 3 | Rockingham County | 2,204 km2 |
| 4 | Halifax County | 2,108 km2 |
| 5 | Bedford County | 1,955 km2 |
| 6 | Albemarle County | 1,873 km2 |
| 7 | Franklin County | 1,792 km2 |
| 8 | Fauquier County | 1,683 km2 |
| 9 | Mecklenburg County | 1,616 km2 |
| 10 | Rockbridge County | 1,554 km2 |
| 11 | Southampton County | 1,554 km2 |
| 12 | Buckingham County | 1,505 km2 |
| 13 | Brunswick County | 1,466 km2 |
| 14 | Washington County | 1,461 km2 |
| 15 | Botetourt County | 1,406 km2 |
| 16 | Scott County | 1,391 km2 |
| 17 | Caroline County | 1,380 km2 |
| 18 | Bath County | 1,378 km2 |
| 19 | Loudoun County | 1,347 km2 |
| 20 | Tazewell County | 1,347 km2 |
| 21 | Shenandoah County | 1,326 km2 |
| 22 | Buchanan County | 1,305 km2 |
| 23 | Campbell County | 1,305 km2 |
| 24 | Dinwiddie County | 1,305 km2 |
| 25 | Louisa County | 1,290 km2 |
| 26 | Sussex County | 1,272 km2 |
| 27 | Patrick County | 1,251 km2 |
| 28 | Carroll County | 1,233 km2 |
| 29 | Amherst County | 1,230 km2 |
| 30 | Charlotte County | 1,230 km2 |
| 31 | Russell County | 1,230 km2 |
| 32 | Hanover County | 1,225 km2 |
| 33 | Nelson County | 1,222 km2 |
| 34 | Wythe County | 1,199 km2 |
| 35 | Accomack County | 1,178 km2 |
| 36 | Smyth County | 1,171 km2 |
| 37 | Alleghany County | 1,155 km2 |
| 38 | Grayson County | 1,147 km2 |
| 39 | Lee County | 1,132 km2 |
| 40 | Lunenburg County | 1,119 km2 |
| 41 | Chesterfield County | 1,103 km2 |
| 42 | Highland County | 1,077 km2 |
| 43 | Frederick County | 1,075 km2 |
| 44 | Wise County | 1,044 km2 |
| 45 | Spotsylvania County | 1,039 km2 |
| 46 | Fairfax County | 1,026 km2 |
| 47 | Montgomery County | 1,005 km2 |
| 48 | Floyd County | 989 km2 |
| 49 | Henry County | 989 km2 |
| 50 | Culpeper County | 987 km2 |
| 51 | Bland County | 930 km2 |
| 52 | Giles County | 927 km2 |
| 53 | Amelia County | 925 km2 |
| 54 | Prince Edward County | 914 km2 |
| 55 | Orange County | 886 km2 |
| 56 | Prince William County | 875 km2 |
| 57 | Appomattox County | 865 km2 |
| 58 | Dickenson County | 862 km2 |
| 59 | Craig County | 855 km2 |
| 60 | Madison County | 834 km2 |
| 61 | Pulaski County | 831 km2 |
| 62 | Isle of Wight County | 818 km2 |
| 63 | King and Queen County | 818 km2 |
| 64 | Nottoway County | 816 km2 |
| 65 | Page County | 805 km2 |
| 66 | Cumberland County | 772 km2 |
| 67 | Greensville County | 767 km2 |
| 68 | Fluvanna County | 743 km2 |
| 69 | Goochland County | 736 km2 |
| 70 | Surry County | 723 km2 |
| 71 | King William County | 712 km2 |
| 72 | Stafford County | 699 km2 |
| 73 | Rappahannock County | 692 km2 |
| 74 | Prince George County | 689 km2 |
| 75 | Powhatan County | 676 km2 |
| 76 | Essex County | 668 km2 |
| 77 | Roanoke County | 650 km2 |
| 78 | Henrico County | 616 km2 |
| 79 | Westmoreland County | 593 km2 |
| 80 | Gloucester County | 562 km2 |
| 81 | Warren County | 554 km2 |
| 82 | New Kent County | 544 km2 |
| 83 | Northampton County | 536 km2 |
| 84 | Northumberland County | 497 km2 |
| 85 | Richmond County | 497 km2 |
| 86 | Charles City County | 471 km2 |
| 87 | King George County | 466 km2 |
| 88 | Clarke County | 458 km2 |
| 89 | Greene County | 407 km2 |
| 90 | James City County | 370 km2 |
| 91 | Lancaster County | 344 km2 |
| 92 | Middlesex County | 337 km2 |
| 93 | York County | 275 km2 |
| 94 | Mathews County | 223 km2 |
| 95 | Arlington County | 67 km2 |
ATTRACTIONS IN WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia is not only known for its exciting history and beautiful nature. Historical places, museums, parks and many other sights are waiting to be discovered in numerous cities.
Harpers Ferry Historical Park
The Harpers Ferry Historical Park is home to numerous parts of the city of Harpers Ferry, which is located in the far northeast of western Virginia. The park was founded in 1944 under the name National Monument, it was not until 1963 that it was given its current name. Visitors can admire many historical, cultural and natural sights all over the park over an area of over 15 km². In 1859, Harpers Ferry was the starting point of a revolt by ex-slaves against slavery. An attack and the conquest of the arsenal led to the killing of the rebels by the army.
Grave Creek Mound
Grave Creek Mound is a local point of interest in Moundsville. It is a burial mound of the Adena culture. This was created with a diameter of about 73 meters and a height of about 13 meters between 250 and 150 BC. In addition to the sophisticated burial mound, visitors have also been able to visit a museum here since 1978. The Delf Norona Museum has over 450,000 artifacts.
Watters Smith Memorial State Park
Founded in 1949, Watters Smith Memorial State Park is a historic state park. Visitors can visit the farm of the settler Watter Smith and a museum on the 2.15 km² area.
West Virginia State Capitol
The West Virginia State Capitol is located in Charleston and is the seat of government of the state of West Virginia. It was inaugurated in 1932 after seven years of construction. The 3rd State Capitol was built in the styles of neo-Georgian architecture and neo-Renaissance. With a rotunda height of 89 meters, the State Capitol is also the tallest building in West Virginia. In addition, the copper dome was covered with gold leaf.
West Virginia Independence Hall
The West Virginia Independence Hall is located in Wheeling and is the founding place of the state of West Virginia. It was built in 1860 in the Renaissance style. This is where the Wheeling Convention met in 1861 to decide on the establishment of the new state. Originally the building was supposed to serve as a customs house.
New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge, built from 1974 to 1977, is a 924 meter long steel arch bridge. From 1977 to 2000 it was also the longest arch bridge in the world. The span of the arches is 518 meters, with a height of 267 meters. The bridge spans the New River and leads US Route 19 across the river. At the north end of the bridge there is also a visitor center with a viewing platform. The Fayette County’s “Bridge Day” festival takes place on the bridge every year on the third Saturday in October, which is why it is then closed.
Dents Run Covered Bridge
The Dents Run Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge from 1889. The special thing about this bridge is that it has a roof. There are only about 1,000 left in the United States. The 12 meter long bridge spans the Dents Run River.
Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge
The Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge, built in 1889, is also a wooden bridge with a roof. It is around 30 meters long and was initially no longer used after a more modern bridge was built. However, it was later moved to another location and restored.
West Virginia State Penitentiary
The West Virginia State Penitentiary is located in Moundsville. This is a neo-Gothic historical penal institution, which was built between 1867 and 1876 and was used until 1995. The building can now be visited on guided tours. A highlight are tours that follow in the footsteps of paranormal activities.