50 States: Virginia

VIRGINIA

One of the original 13 colonies, Virginia became the 10th state on June 25, 1788. Inhabited first by several Native American tribes, Virginia was settled by Europeans in the early 17th century at Jamestown. John Smith, Pocahontas, and John Rolfe were instrumental in the early life of the colony, named after the virgin Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth I. Rolfe was the first to be able to successfully grow tobacco and sell it to England. Tobacco became and continues to be a significant crop in this state.

Virginia is 42,769 square miles, making it the 35th biggest state. As of 2013, there were nearly 8.3 million people, Virginians, living here. The capital of Virginia is Richmond, and the largest city is Virginia Beach. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Virginia. Some other things to see in Virginia include: 

 Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center

Skyline Caverns in Front Royal, Virginia

 Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Old Cape Henry Lighthouse

New Cape Henry Lighthouse

Virginia Aquarium

Virginia Beach

USS Wisconsin (Norfolk)

Colonial Williamsburg

Mount Vernon

Some other things, which I don't have pictures for, are:

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg

Arlington National Cemetery

Monticello

The Museum of the Confederacy

Marine Corps War Memorial

Arlington House

United States Air Force Memorial

Luray Caverns

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Claude Moore Colonial Farm

Gunston Hall

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Chincoteague Island

Shenandoah National Park

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Warrenton (since my brother and his family live here), which is located in Fauquier County. Visit the website to find a listing of things to do here if you are in the area.

There are hundreds of different things to see in this state which has a history dating back more than 400 years (not including the Native American history).

Some extremely famous people have been born here, including eight presidents. If you are unsure of the exact claim to fame for any of these people, I encourage you to do some research and find out.

George Washington

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison

James Monroe

William Henry Harrison

John Tyler

Zachary Taylor

Woodrow Wilson

Booker T. Washington

Pocahontas

Patrick Henry

Ella Fitzgerald

Patsy Cline

June Carter Cash

William Clark

Meriwether Lewis

Sandra Bullock

George Wythe

Jeb Stuart

Dred Scott

Walter Reed

John Marshall

Robert E. Lee

Sam Houston

Virginia Dare

Jubal A. Early

Virginia's nickname is Old Dominion. It was given to the colony by King Charles II due to their loyalty to the crown in the early years of its existence. The motto, "Sic Semper Tyrannis," which means "Thus Always to Tyrants," shows the change in attitude of the colony to England. England was seen as the tyrant.

Other state symbols include:

Bird...Cardinal

Dog...American fox hound

Insect...Tiger swallowtail butterfly

Fish...Brook trout

Shell...Oyster

Flower...American dogwood

Tree...American dogwood
Beverage...Milk

The state flag was adopted 1861. The state name and motto are seen in a white circle with goddess "Virtue" holding a spear and standing over a tyrant. Virginia is depicted as Virtue, and Britain is the defeated tyrant.

Play some learning games here.

The following items are for sale on christianbook.com.

Notes on the State of Virginia By Thomas Jefferson / Penguin Putnam Inc. A classic statement about the promise and perils of the American experiment. A request in 1780 by the French legation to the United States to learn more about the newly formed thirteen states of America stimulated in Jefferson, as he later described it, a "mysterious obligation for making me much better acquainted with my own country than I ever was before." Written during his first term as governor of Virginia, Notes on the State of Virginia is at once a scientific discourse, an attempt to define America, and an examination of the idea of freedom. With the same genius and clear, flexible prose style that informs the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson chronicles Virginia's natural, social, and political history.

Virginia Pocket Guide, Grades K-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International The perfect reference guide. This handy 4" x 6", easy-to-use guide is divided into seven color-coded sections which include: basics, history, geography, people, places, nature, and more! Riddles, recipes, and surprising facts make this guide a delight! Available for all 50 states! Grades 3-8; ages 8-14.

State Shapes: Virginia By Workman Publishing You'll get to know Virgina with this state-shaped book! Meet the interesting people from the "Old Dominion" state, including George Washinton, Thomas Jefferson, and many other Founding Fathers. Then walk around and get to know some famous historical places such as Jamestown and view the unique landscape such as the Piedmont Plateau. By the time you're through, you'll know all about the history and land of Virginia. 45 pages, hardcover.

Virginia By Pat Lantier & Catherine Gardner(Editor) / Gareth Stevens Publishing Bolster students' knowledge of the state they live in! Discover the history of the state, including Native American history, colonial history, and modern history, and learn about the current demographics of the state, the land itself, the economy, state government, and cultural attractions. "Fun Facts," "Famous People" and "In History" sidebars provide interesting tidbits of information. Full-color photographs, time line, glossary, and index included. 32 pages, softcover. Grades 2-4.

Let's Discover Virginia CD-ROM, Grades 2-8 By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Discover the important events and places in Virginia history alongside a couple of alien visitors! Let's Discover Virginia covers state symbols, landmarks, geography, interesting places, state facts, and more in this fun CD-ROM. Perfect for reinforcing state studies, this software includes activities and a quiz. Grades 2-8. System Requirements: Macintosh: PowerPC Mac running Mac OS 8.1 up to 10.4 Tiger. This software is a "Classic" Mac Application and is not compatible with any Intel Based Macs or Macs running 10.5 Leopard or later. 24 MB Ram 2x CD-ROM Drive Windows: All Systems of Windows OS Pentium processor or newer 24 MB RAM Windows-compatible sound card and 2x CD-ROM Drive

Virginia History By Karla Smith / Heinemann Raintree This book provides a comprehensive look at Virginia history, from the arrival of Europeans seeking riches five hundred years ago to the 1990s, when the state became the first to elect an African American governor. 48 pages, softcover.

With Lee in Virginia, Unabridged Audiobook on CD with eBook By G.A. Henty / Tantor Media In G. A. Henty's heroic clash of opposing conviction, Vincent Wingfield, a young spirited teenager and heir to a southern slave plantation, bravely proves his sympathy for brutally treated slaves and becomes a staunch supporter of slaves' rights. But, with the onset of the Civil War, Wingfield's fidelity to the state of Virginia leads him to serve under Robert E. Lee's cavalry and fight for the Confederacy. Through his courage and readiness, he survives hairbreadth escapes, attempts on his life, and two imprisonments. Henty provides an intriguing insight into the war's famous battles, the characters of Robert E. Lee and his lieutenants, and the vast complexities of the saddest conflict in the history of the United States. Unabridged. 1 MP3-CD. Narrated by John Bolen.

With Lee in Virginia, Unabridged Audiobook on MP3 with eBook By G.A. Henty / Tantor Media In G. A. Henty's heroic clash of opposing conviction, Vincent Wingfield, a young spirited teenager and heir to a southern slave plantation, bravely proves his sympathy for brutally treated slaves and becomes a staunch supporter of slaves' rights. But, with the onset of the Civil War, Wingfield's fidelity to the state of Virginia leads him to serve under Robert E. Lee's cavalry and fight for the Confederacy. Through his courage and readiness, he survives hairbreadth escapes, attempts on his life, and two imprisonments. Henty provides an intriguing insight into the war's famous battles, the characters of Robert E. Lee and his lieutenants, and the vast complexities of the saddest conflict in the history of the United States. Unabridged. 10 CDs. Narrated by John Bolen.

All Around Virginia: Regions And Resources By Karla Smith / Heinemann Raintree This book contains all kinds of fun and fascinating facts about the regions of Virginia and their valuable resources. You'll find colorful maps that help you locate Virginia's regions and understand their features. You will learn about the many natural and man-made resources of the state and how they affect its economy.

If You Lived in Williamsburg in Colonial Days By Scholastic Trade Vivid full-color illustrations and a question-and-answer text bring to life traditional life, customs, and everyday worlds in this series covering a rich range of historical events, eras, and peoples. Meticulous research, accuracy of detail, and facts told from a child's perspective convey what it was like to live in another time. Basic concepts of history are made meaningful through details of daily life, putting young readers into the middle of the action. This book depicts a slice of life during the early 1770s, before the famous American Revolution, when the United States only existed as 13 colonies. They were all in the Eastern part of the country and all of them were still ruled by England. The colony of Williamsburg, Virginia, became one of the most prosperous of these colonies due to its mild southern weather and rich soil.

Virginia Native Peoples By Karla Smith / Heinemann Raintree Learn all about the Native peoples of Virigina in this photograph-filled book. This book contains all kinds of interesting facts about the first people who lived in Virginia. You will learn about the different Native American tribes that have called Virginia home and the beliefs and practices that make them unique. And, you will find out where the tribes of Virginia are located today. 48 pages, softcover. Grade Level 3-5. AR Level 6.7.

Drive Thru History: Soldiers, Jamestown, and Heroes of Virginia By Tyndale House In a fast, fun style all his own, Dave Stotts explores the rich history of America and the Revolutionary War era. We start in Philadelphia, making our way through Germantown and Valley Forge. Finally, Dave tours beautiful Virginia for stories about the historic homes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and James Madison. As always, Dave includes the Christian influences that have shaped history.

Liberty Letters: Adventures in Jamestown By Nancy LeSourd / ZonderKidz After enduring a dangerous voyage to the New World, Abigail discovers that her fight for survival in Jamestown has only begun. When she must face her enemy, an Indian princess called Pocahontas, Abigail uncovers the enemy of her own heart—unforgiveness. In London, England, her friend Elizabeth yearns for adventure, but society's conventions threaten to crush her dreams. As the girls face their deepest fears, they discover how their choices can change a nation's—and a young woman's—destiny.

1607: A New Look at Jamestown By Karen Lange / Random House, Inc 1607: A New Look at Jamestown is the ultimate book for the 400th anniversary of America's first settlement. With its expert appraisal of the latest archaeological evidence, this National Geographic title stands alone in its timely authority and its visual appeal. Author Karen Lange's gripping narrative incorporates analysis of the very latest discoveries from the Jamestown site. The text, vetted by experts, has been researched with the help of Dr. William Kelso, a National Geographic grantee, who also provides the foreword. The pages come alive with Ira Block's stunning photography, detailing newly discovered artifacts, and highlighting authentic Jamestown reenactments. A National Geographic map of the colony places it in its historic and modern-day context. Follow the drama as three small ships from England reach the New World in the spring of 1607 with 104 souls on board. At the edge of a powerful Indian confederacy, they settle in Jamestown and pave the way for the birth of our nation.

Jamestown: America's First Permanent English Settlement By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International Fun and quick, these Jamestown Activities are perfect for homework, supplemental activities, wind-down papers, and more. An informative paragraph or two introduces an aspect of Jamestown life, from the soldiers and noblemen who first came from England to the Powhatans to the women who came afterwards. Codes, crafts, matching, true/false, essay, and short answer questions are all included. Now updated for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, along with the most recent archaeological excavations. 32 reproducible pages with answer key, index and glossary.

The Jamestown Storybook By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International The story of Jamestown is the intriguing tale of America's founding! And behind every piece of history is a story just waiting to be told! Stories of people with big dreams, stories of adventure, stories of hard work and determination, and stories of friendship. Here are some of those stories to read alone or aloud, with tons of new information about Jamestown's past. Stories focus on famous people such as Pocahontas, practical matters such as building houses, and even modern-day archaeologists! 32 pages, softcover.

Jamestown Trivia! By Carole Marsh / Gallopade International How did John Smith become an explosives expert? How did the Native Americans dress? Why was Jamestown built where it was? Learn the answers to these and many more questions with this fun and engaging book of Jamestown trivia. Accompanied by illustrations and presented in various font-styles, these "flabbergasting facts" are perfect to read through, use as game questions or just enjoy as a fun morning warm up! 96 pages, softcover.

Christmas in Williamsburg: 300 Years of Family Traditions By Karen Kostyal, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation & Lori Epstein / National Geographic Children's Books Capture the old-fashioned glow of a Williamsburg Christmas on every nostalgic page, lavishly illustrated with color photos and scenes of Williamsburg ready for Christmas. Learn about colonial traditions, American Christmases of the past, and old-fashioned craft and decoratives for Christmas celebrations. Handsome hardcover from National Geographic includes recipes and how-tos for colonial crafts plus a timeline of Christmas celebrations through the years.

Misty of Chincoteague, 60th Anniversary Edition By Marguerite Henry / Aladdin Nobody could capture the Phantom. She was the wildest mare on Assateague Island. They said she was like the wind, that the white "map" on her shoulders was her mark of freedom. Paul and Maureen Beebe had their hearts set on owning her. They were itching to buy and tame her; and worked hard to earn the money she would cost. But the roundup men had tried to capture her and for two years she had escaped them. Pony Penning Day holds a surprise for everyone, for Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both? Recommended for ages 8 and up. A 1948 Newbery Honor Book.