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Moving to Virginia

Virginia became the 10^th state on June 25^th 1788. Virginia is commonly known as the Old Dominion State in a reference to Virginia being a dominion of the British King, Charles II.

Origin of state's name: Virginia got its name from the virgin British Queen, Elizabeth I.

Capital City: The capital of Virginia is Richmond. The state is surrounded by several neighboring states and the Atlantic Ocean.

Population: The population of Virginia is in excess of seven million people based on the last census in 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website.

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/

Economy: The economy is driven by many different industries. Tobacco and cotton growing has been a way of life for many generations of people in this state. Of course related industries have grown such as cigarette production and textile manufacture. Virginia is also a state rich in natural forest and lumbar related industries thrive in this state such as paper production, publishing and furniture manufacture.

State Bird: The state bird is the Cardinal known for its robustness and distinctly colored plumage.

State Flower: The state flower is the American dogwood, cornus florida. Not really a flower, the blossom of the dogwood tree has a delicate white bloom. The American Dogwood is also the state tree., which is also the state tree.

State song: The state songs is "Carry me back to old Virginia" by J. Black which sings about this beautiful state and its tradition of cotton growing.

State Motto: Thus Always to Tyrants

Virginia- Interesting Facts

• Arlington County was originally part of the Washington DC but was returned late in the 18th century to Virginia following a vote by the people.
• Peanuts are grown throughout Virginia and Virginia is considered on of the biggest peanuts growing regions in the US
• The famous Blue Ridge Mountains are located in Virginia.
• The US government employs about 20% of the workforce of Virginia
• Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of many US presidents and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Dulles International Airport is located in Virginia and has been renamed the Ronald Regan International airport.
• The Atlantic headquarters of NATO is located in Norfolk.
• The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is the world's largest bridge-tunnel complex.

Virginia – Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in Virginia and many famous people call Virginia their home today. This includes actors, athletes, authors, politicians and entertainers. Arguably the most famous were the eight United States Presidents who were born in Virginia. These include George Washington the 1^st US President, Thomas Jefferson the 3^rd, James Madison the 4^th, James Monroe the 5^th, William Harrison the 9^th, John Tyler the 10^th, Zachary Taylor the 12^th and Woodrow Wilson the 28^th.