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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Us State

Virginia

Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a U.S.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a U.S. state in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions. It became the 10th state in 1788.

What it is

Virginia is officially a commonwealth, with Richmond as its capital and Virginia Beach as its largest city. It is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and lies on the central Atlantic seaboard.

Why it matters

As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia is the site of Jamestown (1607), the first permanent English settlement in North America. It entered the Union in 1788 and is often called the "Mother of Presidents" for its early U.S. leaders.

Key details

Virginia covers 42,775 sq mi with an estimated 2024 population of 8.8 million. It borders Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and the Atlantic Ocean, featuring coastal plains, Piedmont, and Appalachian mountains.

In short

  • One of the original 13 colonies; 10th state (1788).
  • Jamestown (1607) was the first permanent English settlement in North America.
  • Capital: Richmond; Largest city: Virginia Beach.
  • Nickname: "Old Dominion."
Canadian angle

Virginia is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through Atlantic and eastern North American geography, U.S. politics, tourism, and historical ties dating to early English colonial settlement.

Quick questions

What is Virginia?
Virginia is a U.S. state in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia.
When did Virginia become a state?
Virginia entered the Union on June 25, 1788, as the 10th state.
What is the capital of Virginia?
Richmond is the capital of Virginia.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Virginia-state
    Supports: State identity, geography, capital, original colony status.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Virginia-state
    Supports: Area, population estimate, capital, geography, and Jamestown history.
  3. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia — https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/about-virginia/history-and-facts-on-virginia/
    Supports: Jamestown founding, 1619 legislature, statehood date, name origin, commonwealth designation, presidents born in Virginia.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia
    Supports: Capital, largest city, population, regional placement, borders.
  5. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com
    Supports: Statehood date and nickname origin.