Virginia is officially known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, which is kind of quirky. Its also known as the "Old Dominion" because of its historic connection with the English Crown, and "Mother of Presidents" due to the fact the many US presidents have been born there. The area was originally home to a number of Indian peoples including the Powhatan famous because of the connection to Pocahontas. But that all changed in 1607 when an English settlement, the Colony of Virginia, was established. Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies that fought in the American Revolution and because of its significant role in politics, plantation economy and slave labour, it joined the Confederacy in the Civil War. Richmond, the capital, was the Confederate Capital. Today, the State is home to the CIA, the Department of Defense and all that entails, the Pentagon, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Its a fabulous State to meander through as there are beautiful rives and lakes, gorgeous hill country and great beaches that front onto Chesapeake Bay and the outer banks. There is so much to see here that a week was not nearly enough. I immersed myself in history visiting the National Civil War Museum, Williamsburg, and Jamestown. Would have also taken up the opportunity for a swim only that a hurricane decided to join the party, along with some tornadoes. Maybe next time.
