On September 14, National Virginia Day recognizes one of the original 13 colonies and the 10th state to ratify the Constitution.
Mountains in the west stretch south and east toward swamps and islands. The population is as varied as the scenery, too. From the picturesque small towns of the Old Dominion state to bustling cities and cavernous valleys, the state’s complex depth of history and topography creates unique and breathtaking experiences.
Virginia’s proximity to Washington D.C. makes it ideal for government commuters and tourism to the U.S. Capital. Many of our nation’s headquarters can be found in Virginia including the Central Intelligence Agency, National Fish and Wild Life Service, and the Department of Defense. Many of these agencies can be found in the world’s largest office building, the Pentagon! In fact, more Virginians work for the U.S. government than any other state.
On National Virginia Day, we explore the people, the places, and the flavors that have developed long before European settlers arrived.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalVirginiaDay
Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate Virginia’s enduring history and grand landscapes. Explore all of Virginia’s delightful towns and exciting cities! Use #NationalVirginiaDay to share on social media.
- VIRGINIA PRESIDENTS
- GEORGE WASHINGTON – 1st President
- Thomas Jefferson – 3rd President
- James Madison – 4th President
- James Monroe – 5th President
- William Henry Harrison – 9th President
- John Tyler – 10th President
- Zachary Taylor – 12th President
- Woodrow Wilson -28th President
Virginia Presidents
As the earliest established colony, Virginia’s roots run deep in the political process. More Virginians have been elected president than from any other state, including the first for a total of eight in all. A Virginian hasn’t been elected since 1917 to the highest office of the United States.
Virginia Flavor
The farm rich land of Virginia supplies a menu full of orchard delights, delicacies from the sea and classic bbq. Virginia’s Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay makes for excellent access to fresh Rappahannock oysters and crab. Add excellent opportunities for trout fishing, anglers and seafood lovers rejoice! When in the South, BBQ is a purification ritual. Fried chicken with black-eyed peas is on the menu, too. We all know the first president was born here, so it should be no surprise that cherry pie the must have dessert – even if he didn’t chop down that tree. Make sure to enjoy some homemade apple butter. It’s an excellent spread on English muffins for breakfast or added to waffles. Sub the jelly on your PB&J at lunch; it’s divine. Makes a great snack, too!
Pocahontas – Native American Historical Figure – (1596 – March 1617)
The life story of the daughter of a Powhatan Chief has become American fairy tale legend. The truth of Pocahontas’ life, however, is a grief stricken tragedy. Read more about her life at Indian Country Today.