On September 14th, National Virginia Day recognizes one of the original 13 colonies and the 10th state to ratify the Constitution.

Mountains in the west stretch south and east toward swamps and islands. The population is as varied as the scenery, too. From the picturesque small towns of the Old Dominion state to bustling cities and cavernous valleys, the state’s complex depth of history and topography creates unique and breathtaking experiences.

Official Virginia State

State Capital – Richmond
State Nickname – Old Dominion
State Motto – Sic semper tyrannis
State Bird – Northern Cardinal
State Flower – Flowering Dogwood
State Dog – American Foxhound
State Reptile – Eastern Garter Snake
State Fish – Brook Trout
State Drink – Milk
State Fossil – Chesapecten jeffersonius
State Rock – Nelsonite
State Shell – Oyster
State Tree – Flowering Dogwood
State Song – Our Great Virginia
State Insect – Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Virginia’s proximity to Washington D.C. makes it ideal for government commuters and tourism to the U.S. Capital. Many of our nation’s headquarters can be found in Virginia including the Central Intelligence Agency, National Fish and Wild Life Service, and the Department of Defense.  Many of these agencies can be found in the world’s largest office building,  the Pentagon! In fact, more Virginians work for the U.S. government than any other state.

On National Virginia Day, we explore the people, the places, and the flavors that have developed long before European settlers arrived.

Explore More…

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Virginia Presidents

As the earliest established colony, Virginia’s roots run deep in the political process. More Virginians have been elected president than from any other state, including the first for a total of eight in all. A Virginian hasn’t been elected since 1917 to the highest office of the United States.

• GEORGE WASHINGTON – 1st President
• Thomas Jefferson – 3rd President
• James Madison – 4th President
• James Monroe – 5th President
• William Henry Harrison – 9th President
• John Tyler – 10th President
• Zachary Taylor – 12th President
• Woodrow Wilson -28th President

Hidden Treasure

Caverns Crozet Tunnel – Afton President Heads – Croaker Chapman Mill Historic Site – Broad Run

Virginia Flavor

• Smoked Trout
• Saucy’s BBQ Sandwhich
• Homemade Apple Butter
• Brunswick Stew
• Fried Chicken & Black Eyed Peas
• Turkey Cassarole
• Cherry Pie
• Pimento Cheese
• Chesapeake Crabcakes
• Rappahannock Oysters

The farm rich land of Virginia supplies a menu full of orchard delights, delicacies from the sea and classic bbq. Virginia’s Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay makes for excellent access to fresh Rappahannock oysters and crab. Add excellent opportunities for trout fishing, anglers and seafood lovers rejoice! When in the South, BBQ is a purification ritual. Fried chicken with black-eyed peas is on the menu, too. We all know the first president was born here, so it should be no surprise that cherry pie the must have dessert – even if he didn’t chop down that tree. Make sure to enjoy some homemade apple butter. It’s an excellent spread on English muffins for breakfast or added to waffles. Sub the jelly on your PB&J at lunch; it’s divine. Makes a great snack, too!  

Notable People

Pocahontas – Native American Historical Figure – (1596 – March 1617)

Meriwether Lewis – Explorer – (August 18, 1774 – October 11, 1809)

Booker T. Washington – Civil Rights Activist – (April 5, 1856 – November 14, 1915)

Edith Wilson – First Lady – (October 15, 1872 – December 28, 1961)

Willa Cather – Author – (December 7, 1873 – April 24, 1947)

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Patsy Cline -Singer – (September 8, 1932 – March 5, 1963)

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Gabby Douglas – Olympian – (December 31, 1995 – )

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVirginiaDay

Celebrate Virginia’s enduring history and grand landscapes. Explore all of Virginia’s delightful towns and exciting cities! Use #NationalVirginiaDay to share on social media.