Capital: Richmond
Largest City: Virginia Beach
Abbreviation: VA
Joined the Union: June 25, 1788
Nickname: Old Dominion

Virginia is one of the cradles of colonial America, a bastion of the Revolution which retains a critical role in America’s defense to this day. Between the military offices at the Pentagon and the naval shipbuilding in Norfolk, the country couldn’t do it without Virginia. The Old Dominion State is also home to intelligence facilities like the FBI Academy at Quantico and the CIA headquarters in Langley. Beyond its strong government ties, Virginia is renowned for preeminent institutions of higher learning such as the University of Virginia, heralded for its iconic Jeffersonian architecture. Elsewhere, deep caves and Blue Ridge peaks offer recreational escapes from the urban and suburban life.

Areas to Explore

HAMPTON ROADS

RICHMOND

ROANOKE