Virginia Info
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Capital
City: Richmond
Economy:
Population: 7,187,734
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich
Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first
Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October
Virginia's Flag:
A deep blue field contains the seal of Virginia with the
Latin motto " Sic Semper Tyrannis" - "Thus Ever to
Tyrants". Adopted in 1776. The two figures are acting out the
meaning of the motto. Both are dressed as warriors. The woman, Virtue,
represents Virginia. The man holding a scorge and chain shows that
he is a tyrant. His fallen crown is nearby. From 50states.com.
History
of Virginia:
The history of America is closely tied to that of Virginia, particularly
in the Colonial period. Jamestown, founded in 1607, was the first
permanent English settlement in North America and slavery was introduced
there in 1619. The surrenders ending both the American Revolution
(Yorktown) and the Civil War (Appomattox) occurred in Virginia. The
state is called the “Mother of Presidents” because eight
chief executives of the United States were born there. Today, Virginia
has a large number of diversified manufacturing industries, including
transportation equipment, textiles, food processing, and printing.
Other important lines are electronic and other electric equipment,
chemicals, apparel, lumber and wood products, furniture, and industrial
machinery and equipment. Agriculture remains an important sector in
the Virginia economy and the state ranks among the top 10 in the U.S.
in tomatoes, tobacco, peanuts, summer potatoes, turkeys, apples, broilers,
and sweet potatoes. Other crops include corn, vegetables, and barley.
Famous for Smithfield hams, Virginia also has a large dairy industry.
Coal mining accounts for roughly 75% of Virginia's mineral output,
and lime, kyanite, and stone are also mined. Points of interest include
Mt. Vernon and other places associated with George virginia; Monticello,
home of Thomas Jefferson; Stratford, home of the Lees; Richmond, capital
of the Confederacy and of Virginia; and Williamsburg, the restored
Colonial capital. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel spans the mouth
of Chesapeake Bay, connecting Cape Charles with Norfolk. Consisting
of a series of low trestles, two bridges and two mile-long tunnels,
the complex is 18 miles (29 km) long. It was opened in 1964. Other
attractions are the Shenandoah National Park, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania
National Military Park, the Booker T. virginia birthplace near Roanoke,
Arlington House (the Robert E. Lee Memorial), the Skyline Drive, and
the Blue Ridge National Parkway.
Other Virginia Links:
Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Tourism
Virginia Institute of
Government
Virginia Local Government
Managers Association
Virginia Municipal League
Virginia State Library
Virginia Tourism Corporation
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