Virginia Geography

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located on the east coast of the United States and is bordered by Maryland and West Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, and Kentucky to the west. The state has a diverse landscape, including the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in the center, and the coastal plains in the east.

Virginia's history is closely intertwined with that of the United States as a whole. English settlers established the colony of Virginia in 1607, and the state was one of the thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. Virginia was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Bull Run (also known as the First Battle of Manassas) in 1861, which was the first major engagement of the American Civil War.

The state's economy is diversified, with agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining all playing a role. Virginia is also home to several major military installations, including the United States Navy's Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the largest in the world.

Education is a high priority in Virginia, and the state is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Virginia, William & Mary, and Virginia Tech.