Population: 8 096.604 thousand people (2011)
Area: 110785.0 sq. km
In the east of the United States, one of the South Atlantic states is located – Virginia, which is the 10th in a row. Its capital is the city of Richmond. The list of major cities in the region includes Virginia Beach, Alexandria, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Newport News, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Hampton.
The eastern part of the state is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Its southern territories pass near Tennessee and North Carolina, in the west – with Kentucky, in the northeast – with the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland. Located in the east of the state, the Delmarva Peninsula is separated from the province by the Chesapeake Bay. Much of eastern Virginia is swampy. The western territories of the state are in close proximity to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which include the famous Blue Ridge and the Cumberland Plateau.
Among natural reservoirs, the largest are the Shenandoah, Roanoke, Potomac, Rappahanno rivers. Most of the territory is covered with forests. It has hot summers and mild winters due to the humid subtropical climate. In ancient times, the territory of the present state was the homeland of the Indian tribes of Meherrin, Chicahomini, Cherokee, monks, who belonged to three ethnic groups. The largest of these was the Algonquian, as well as the Sioux and the Iroquois.
During the colonization of the lands of North America by England, the region was named Virginia in honor of Queen Elizabeth I, which means virgin. In the first half of the 17th century, the London Company was founded in the province, which financed the first capital of the state, Jamestown, and other settlements that formed in these places.
The state’s subsequent capital city was Richmond in 1780. At the end of June 1788, Virginia became the 10th state of the country. It was she who in the postwar years remained the political center of the country for a long time. The local land is rich in minerals, including sand, stone, coal, and, to a lesser extent, oil and gas. Large military bases of the country are based here. The main industries are – chemical, rubber, tobacco, food. The service sector and tourism, poultry farming, fishing and seafood production are developed.
ALEXANDRIA
Population: 140,024 thousand people (2007)
Area: 39.9 sq. km
Founded: 1749
Time zone: UTC-5
Altitude: 12 m
Zip code: 22314
The city of Alexandria lies on the west coast of the Potomac River. It is located in relative proximity to the capital of the country. The cities are separated by only 10 kilometers of the highway. The first settlement on the site of present-day Alexandria was founded by the British at the end of the 17th century. The city itself was formed a little later: in the middle of the 18th century. The purpose of its foundation was the need to create a port city and a transshipment point for navigating the river.
The embankment, eastern and southeastern part of Alexandria is occupied by a historical district with many old buildings. Here are located: antique shops and jewelry boutiques, art galleries and art salons, luxurious mansions and houses of famous natives, in particular General Robert Lee. The building of the former torpedo factory is now occupied by the Arts Center with exhibition halls and artists’ workshops.
The oldest residential area in the traditional American style was built in the first quarter of the 20th century. It was originally a suburb of Rosemont, but over time it became part of Alexandria. Its main attraction is Shather’s Hill, a low hill. It is dominated by the George Washington National Memorial. There is an observation deck on the hill, which offers an amazing view of Alexandria.
The city district of Berg is notable for the Market Square. In its place was previously a slave market. The Del Rey area is famous for hosting the annual street festival. During festive events, artists draw tourists and residents of the city. Alexandria is famous for its numerous parks, museums and recreational areas.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Population: 435.619 thousand people (2006)
Area: 1288.1 sq. km
Founded: 1888
Time zone: UTC-5, summer UTC-4
Altitude: 6 m
Zip code: 23451
On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, in the southeastern part of the state, lies the city of Virginia Beach. The area it occupies, the Europeans began to develop from the beginning of the 17th century. In those days, the British, who arrived in the southern harbor of the Chesapeake Bay, named the local part of the coast of Cape Henry: in honor of the son of King James I, then sitting on the English throne. The city itself was founded here at the end of the 19th century. It began to actively develop as a resort after the opening of the railway transport and electricity. At the same time, the first hotel under the romantic name “Princess Anna” was built on the coast.
Now modern Virginia Beach is the most prosperous and largest city in the state. Within its boundaries there are three military bases, two universities, many medical, cultural and educational institutions. The city is famous for the longest public beach, well-groomed amusement parks and museums. The most popular is the pirate ship “Lost Pearl” – the original copy of the Spanish galleon.
Richmond, Virginia
History and Climate of Richmond, Virginia:
History:
- Colonial Era: Richmond, Virginia’s history traces back to the colonial era when Captain Christopher Newport, an English explorer, sailed up the James River in 1607 and established the first English settlement at Jamestown. The area that would become Richmond was initially known as the “Hunting Ground” by local Native American tribes.
- Founding and Early Growth: In 1737, Colonel William Byrd II surveyed the area and laid out plans for a town, naming it Richmond after the English town of Richmond upon Thames. The city was officially founded in 1742. Its strategic location along the James River and its proximity to the fall line contributed to early economic development.
- Revolutionary War Era: During the American Revolution, Richmond gained prominence as a center for the patriot cause. The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, became the meeting place for the Virginia Convention and the site of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech in 1775.
- Capital of the Confederacy: Richmond played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. It became the capital of the Confederate States of America, and the city’s Tredegar Iron Works produced munitions for the Confederate Army. The fall of Richmond in 1865 marked a crucial moment in the war, leading to the Confederacy’s collapse.
- Post-Civil War Reconstruction: After the Civil War, Richmond faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The city underwent efforts to rebuild and recover from the war’s devastation. African Americans played a significant role in the city’s transformation during this period.
- 20th Century Development: In the 20th century, Richmond continued to grow and modernize. The city became a hub for finance, commerce, and industry. Tobacco processing, manufacturing, and transportation contributed to its economic prosperity.
- Civil Rights Movement: Richmond was a focal point during the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1950s and 1960s, activists such as Barbara Johns and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for desegregation and equal rights. The city’s history includes pivotal moments in the struggle for civil rights.
- Cultural and Educational Institutions: Richmond is home to numerous cultural and educational institutions. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1934, showcases an extensive collection of art. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) contributes to the city’s intellectual and artistic vibrancy.
Climate:
According to Sourcemakeup, Richmond, Virginia, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and a moderate amount of precipitation.
- Summer (June-August): Summers in Richmond are hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. Humidity levels can be noticeable, and residents often seek relief in air-conditioned spaces. Summer is a time for outdoor activities, festivals, and events.
- Fall (September-November): Fall brings a gradual cooling of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. The changing foliage in the region adds vibrant colors to the landscape, making fall an attractive season for outdoor excursions and community events.
- Winter (December-February): Winters in Richmond are generally mild, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. While snowfall is infrequent, the city can experience occasional winter weather. Winter is a quieter season, and residents may engage in indoor cultural activities and holiday festivities.
- Spring (March-May): Spring sees a gradual warming of temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. As flowers bloom and trees regain their foliage, Richmond experiences a renewal of life. Spring is an inviting time for outdoor activities, gardening, and community events.
The James River, flowing through the city, influences Richmond’s climate and adds to its scenic beauty. The changing seasons provide residents with a diverse range of experiences and contribute to the city’s appeal as a place with a rich history, cultural richness, and a comfortable, welcoming climate.
