One of the 50 US states is called “Little Ireland.” Moreover, not only because the ancestors of most of its residents today came from this European country, but also because of the similarity of the natural landscape. This is the state of Virginia. The USA is an “allsorts” country in every way. 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 that resemble Irish settlements.
Geographical position
Virginia is a state that stretches from the shores of the Atlantic to the Blue Mountain and Allegan ridges. Area - 110 785 km 2 . Its closest neighbors in the territory are the following states: Tennessee, North Carolina, District of Columbia, West Virginia - a state that, like Virginia itself, is included in 10 West Atlantic regions of the USA, Kentucky. The Delmarve Peninsula is located in the east of the state, but it is separated from the “mainland” Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay. By the way, in coastal areas there are vast territories that have turned into swamps. Western states are located on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains and include the Blue Ridge and the Cumberland Plateau. The state’s waterways are rivers such as the Potomac, Shenandoah, New River, and others. Most of the territory is covered by mixed forests.
Climate
In terms of 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, closer to the coast, the climate is subtropical humid. But in the west - continental, more severe, with a lot of rainfall, especially in the winter months. There are often thunderstorms, lightnings, hurricanes and storms occur near the ocean. Almost every 7 years, Virginia is subjected to tornado attacks.
Virginia: Capital and Cities
Richmond is the main city of this West Atlantic state. The largest cultural and historical centers of the capital are the historical society, which displays expositions about the life of the first settlers in the state, the Art Museum, the Richmond Ballet, the Capitol, Tredegar Iron Works - the oldest iron foundry in America. The city has many green areas: more than four dozen parks and gardens. Other major cities are Virginia Beach, Alexandria, 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 "homeland of the presidents." After all, it was here, on this earth, that 8 American presidents were born, including Washington itself, as well as Thomas Jefferson and others. The official motto of the state is the phrase: "Such is the fate of tyrants!" Virginia - a state that is considered to be filled with history, it was the capital of the confederation, it was here that most of the events of the civil war unfolded. And Americans also believe that it was here, in the east of the country, that the first people appeared.
Before the advent of the United States, Indian tribes lived on the lands of Virginia : the famous Cherokee, Pamunks, Chikahomini, and others. At the end of the 16th century, England began a colonial policy with respect to North America. It was then that this territory began to be called Virginia, which is translated from Latin as "virgin" - in honor of Queen Elizabeth I of England, 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 state is in the hands of three persons: the governor of Virginia, the lieutenant governor and the attorney general, who are elected, like the president, for a four-year term. Judges who are members of the State Supreme Court are also elected for 4 years.
sights
One of Virginia's most beautiful sights is the Shenandoah National Park. No matter how strange it sounds, the Arlington National Cemetery is also a very remarkable place that tourists like to visit. Of particular interest to them are the Bush Gardens and George Washington Manor, Mount Vernon. Among the natural attractions, Chesapeake Bay is especially popular. There is a wonderful complex, formed from different bridges and tunnels. If you are among them, then there are surrealistic sensations. By the way, Virginia Beach is the longest beach in the world, thanks to this it entered the Guinness Book of Records. In the major cities of the state, you can find old, but restored houses of the colonial era with incredibly beautiful architecture. Of great interest to tourists are Jamestown, Williamsburg - the largest historical city in the United States, which has undergone restoration, well, and Yorktown.
Natural attractions
As already noted, Virginia is the state that is the US green belt. 60 percent of its territory is occupied by forests, they begin on the hills and gradually descend to the ocean. This is a real paradise for those who like to be in the wilderness. Deer, foxes, squirrels and possums live here, as well as song and birds of prey. In a word, the rich history and incredible beauty of nature made Virginia a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.