Virginia - US state: history, description and attractions

One of the 50 US states is called "Little Ireland". And not only because the ancestors of most of its current residents came from this European country, but also because of the similarity of the natural landscape. This is Virginia. The USA is an "assorted" country in all respects. This applies to the population, and culture, and the diversity of natural landscapes, and architecture. In Virginia, you can see many quiet and cozy village towns, lost among green hills and meadows, reminiscent of Irish settlements.

Geographical position

Virginia is a state that stretches from the shores of the Atlantic to the Blue Mountain and Alleghen ranges. The area is 110 785 km ² . Its closest neighbors across the territory are the following states: Tennessee, North Carolina, DC, West Virginia - a state that, like Virginia itself, is in the 10 western Atlantic areas of the United States, Kentucky. In the east of the state is the Delmarva Peninsula, but it is separated from the "mainland" Virginia Chesapeake Bay. By the way, in the coastal zones there are vast territories that have turned into swamps. The western territories of the state are located on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains and include the Blue Ridge and the Cumberland Plateau. The water arteries of the state are such rivers as the Potomac, Shenandoah, New River, etc. Most of the territory is covered by mixed forests.

Climate

Due to its climatic conditions, this region is very diverse, because Virginia is a state that stretches for many kilometers, there are big differences between the weather conditions of the eastern and western parts. So, for example, the subtropical climate is closer to the coast. But in the west - continental, more severe, with a lot of precipitation, especially in the winter months. There are often thunderstorms, lightning, there are hurricanes and storms near the ocean. Virtually every 7 years Virginia is attacked by a tornado.

Virginia: the capital and the city

Richmond is the main city of this western-Atlantic state. The largest cultural and historical centers of the capital are the historical society, which presents expositions about the lives of the first settlers in the state, the Art Museum, the Richmond Ballet, the Capitol, Tredegar Iron Works, the oldest iron foundry in America. In the city there are many green areas: more than four dozen parks and gardens. Other major cities are Virginia Beach, Alegsandria, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, etc. Each of them is interesting in its own way.

History

The state has official nicknames. For example, it is called the "home of the presidents." It was here, on this earth, that eight American presidents were born, including Washington himself, as well as Thomas Jefferson and others. The official motto of the state is the phrase: "This is the fate of tyrants!" Virginia - a state that is considered full of history, it was the capital of the confederation, it was here that most of the events of the civil war period unfolded. And the Americans believe that it was here, in the east of the country, the first people appeared.

Before the emergence of the United States on the lands of Virginia lived Indian tribes: the famous Cherokee, pamunki, chikahomini, etc. At the end of the 16th century, England began a colonial policy towards North America. It was then that this territory began to be called Virginia, which from Latin is translated as "maiden" - in honor of the Queen of England Elizabeth I, who was never married. The first capital of Virginia was the city of Jamestown. Later, at the end of the 18th century, the capital moved to Richmond. After the civil war, Virginia (state) became the main political center of the United States. After the end of hostilities, industry began to develop here.

Administration

The executive branch of the state is in the hands of three persons: the governor of Virginia, the lieutenant governor and the general prosecutor, who are elected, like the president of the country, for a period of four years. Judges who are members of the State Supreme Court are also elected for 4 years.

sights

One of the most beautiful sights of Virginia is the national park "Shenandoah". No matter how strange this may sound, the Arlington National Cemetery is also a very remarkable place that tourists like to visit. For them, Bush's gardens and the George Washington estate, Mount Vernon, are also of particular interest. Among the natural attractions of the Chesapeake Bay is very popular. There is a wonderful complex, formed from different bridges and tunnels. If you are among them, then there are surreal sensations. By the way, the beach of Virginia Beach is the longest in the world, due to this he entered the Guinness Book of Records. In the large cities of the state you can meet the old, but restored houses of the colonial era with incredibly beautiful architecture. Of great interest for tourists are Jamestown, Williamsburg is the largest historic city in the US, which has undergone restoration, well, and Yorktown.

Natural attractions

As already noted, Virginia is a state that is a green belt of the United States. 60 percent of its territory is occupied by forests, they start on the hills and smoothly descend to the ocean. This is a real paradise for those who like to be in the bosom of wildlife. Here live deer, fox, squirrel and opossum, as well as singing and predatory birds. In short, the richest history and incredible beauty of nature has made Virginia a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.