Virginia 32432 226186564 2008-07-17T06:12:42Z Supo1987 1341431 {{Otheruses1|the U.S. state}} {{Infobox U.S. state |Name = Virginia |Fullname = Commonwealth of Virginia |Located = Southern United States |Flag = Flag of Virginia.svg |Flaglink = [[Flag of Virginia]] |Seal = Seal of Virginia.svg |Seallink = [[Seal of Virginia]] |Map = Map of USA VA.svg |Nickname = Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents |Motto = [[Sic semper tyrannis]] |Capital = [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] |LargestCity = [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]] |LargestMetro = [[Northern Virginia]] |Demonym = Virginian |Governor = [[Tim Kaine|Timothy M. Kaine]] (D) |Lieutenant Governor = [[Bill Bolling]] (R) |Senators = [[John Warner]] (R)<br />[[Jim Webb]] (D) |Representative = 8 Rep. and 3 Dem. |PostalAbbreviation = VA |OfficialLang = English |Languages = [[English language|English]] 94.3%, [[Spanish language|Spanish]] 5.8% |AreaRank = 35<sup>th</sup> |TotalAreaUS = 42,774 |TotalArea = 110,785 |LandAreaUS = 39,594 |LandArea = 102,548 |WaterAreaUS = 3,180 |WaterArea = 8,236 |PCWater = 7.4 |PopRank = 12<sup>th</sup> |2000Pop = 7,078,515 |DensityRank = 14<sup>th</sup> |2000DensityUS = 178.8 |2000Density = 69.03 |MedianHouseholdIncome = $53,275 |IncomeRank = 10<sup>th</sup> |AdmittanceOrder = 10<sup>th</sup> |AdmittanceDate = [[June 25]], [[1788]] |TimeZone = [[Eastern Standard Time (North America)|Eastern]]: [[UTC]]-5/[[Daylight saving time|-4]] |Latitude = 36°&#8202;32′ N to 39°&#8202;28′ N |Longitude = 75°&#8202;15′ W to 83°&#8202;41′ W |WidthUS = 200 |Width = 320 |LengthUS = 430 |Length = 690 |HighestPoint = [[Mount Rogers]]<ref name=usgs>{{cite web| date =[[29 April]] [[2005]] |url =http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest| title =Elevations and Distances in the United States| publisher =U.S Geological Survey| accessdate = 2006-11-09}}</ref> |HighestElevUS = 5,729 |HighestElev = 1,747 |MeanElevUS = 950 |MeanElev = 290 |LowestPoint = [[Atlantic Ocean]]<ref name=usgs/> |LowestElevUS = 0 |LowestElev = 0 |ISOCode = US-VA |Website = www.virginia.gov |BorderingStates = [[Washington, D.C.|DC]], [[Kentucky|KY]], [[North Carolina|NC]], [[Maryland|MD]], [[Tennessee|TN]], [[West Virginia|WV]] }} <!-- Caution editing first sentence describing geographic/cultural identity. Discuss changes first. --> The '''Commonwealth of Virginia''' ({{pronEng|vɚˈdʒɪnjə}}) is one of the fifty United States, located on the [[Mid-Atlantic States|Atlantic Coast]] of the [[Southern United States]]. It is named after [[Elizabeth I of England|Queen Elizabeth I]] of [[England]], who, never having married, was known as the 'Virgin Queen'. The state is also known as the "Old Dominion" and sometimes "Mother of Presidents", because it is the birthplace of [[Lists of United States Presidents by place of birth#By state|eight U.S. presidents]]. The roots of modern Virginia trace back to the founding of the [[Colony of Virginia|Virginia Colony]] in 1607 by the [[Virginia Company of London]]. Agriculture, colonialism and slavery played significant roles in Virginia's early economy and politics. It was the first permanent [[New World]] English colony and became one of the [[thirteen colonies]] that would take part in the [[American Revolution]], and subsequently became the heart of the [[Confederate States of America|Confederacy]] in the [[American Civil War]]. The capital of the [[Commonwealth (United States)|commonwealth]] is [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], while [[Virginia Beach]] is the most populous city, and [[Fairfax County]] is the most populous political subdivision. Although traditionally conservative and historically part of the South, modern Virginia is a [[Politics of Virginia|politically]] competitive state for both major national political parties.<ref name=purple/> Virginia has an economy with several important foundations, including the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]'s [[Pentagon]] and other federal agencies in [[Northern Virginia]], military bases in [[Hampton Roads]], as well as significant agricultural production. The [[Historic Triangle]] includes the popular heritage tourism destinations of [[Jamestown, Virginia|Jamestown]], [[Yorktown, Virginia|Yorktown]] and the [[living museum]] of [[Colonial Williamsburg]].<ref name=cw/> The growth of the technology sector has made [[computer chip]]s the state's leading export, with the industry based on the strength of Virginia's public schools and [[List of colleges and universities in Virginia|universities]].<ref name=chips/> ==Geography== {{see also|List of counties in Virginia|List of county seats in Virginia}} [[Image:National-atlas-virginia crop.png|thumb|left|Map of Virginia's major cities and roads]] Virginia has an area of {{convert|42774|sqmi|km2|0}} making it the thirty-fifth [[List of U.S. states by area|largest state]].<ref name=ng>{{cite web |title= Virginia facts |publisher= [[National Geographic]] |date= [[April 2]], [[2008]] |url= http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/states/state_virginia.html |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Virginia is bordered by [[Maryland]] and the [[District of Columbia]] to the north and east; the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east; by [[North Carolina]] and [[Tennessee]] to the south; by [[Kentucky]] to the west and by [[West Virginia]] to the north and west. Due to a peculiarity of Virginia's original charter, its boundary with Maryland does not extend past the low-water mark of the southern shore of the [[Potomac River]], meaning Maryland and the District of Columbia contain the whole width of the river rather than splitting it between them and Virginia.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/SGLC/National/SandBar/2.4supreme.htm |title= Supreme Court Rules for Virginia in Potomac Conflict |work= [http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/SGLC/ The Sea Grant Law Center] |publisher= [[University of Mississippi]] |date= 2003 |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> ===Geology and terrain=== [[Image:virginia topographic edit.jpg|thumb|Topographic map of Virginia counties]] The Chesapeake Bay separates most of the contiguous portion of the Commonwealth from the two-county peninsula of Virginia's [[Eastern Shore of Virginia|Eastern Shore]]. Many of [[List of Virginia rivers|Virginia's rivers]] flow into the Chesapeake Bay.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wm.edu/geology/virginia/rivers/rivers.html |title= Rivers and Watersheds |work= [http://www.wm.edu/geology/virginia/ The Geology of Virginia] |publisher= [[College of William and Mary]] |date= [[February 23]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-11}}</ref> The [[Virginia seismic zone]] has not had a history of regular activity. [[Earthquake]]s are rarely above 4.5 on the [[Richter magnitude scale]] because Virginia is located centrally on the [[North American Plate]]. The largest earthquake, at {{nowrap|5.9 magnitude}}, came in 1897 in [[Blacksburg, Virginia|Blacksburg]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/events/1897_05_31.php |title= Largest Earthquake in Virginia |date= [[January 25]], [[2008]] |work= [[United States Geological Survey]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Besides [[coal]], resources such as [[slate]], [[kyanite]], and sand and gravel are mined, with an annual value over $2&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wm.edu/geology/virginia/provinces/economic_resources.html |title= Economic Resources |work= [http://www.wm.edu/geology/virginia/ The Geology of Virginia] |publisher= [[College of William and Mary]] |date= [[January 22]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-11}}</ref> Geographically and geologically, Virginia is divided into five regions from east to west: * [[Tidewater region of Virginia|Tidewater]]&mdash;[[Coastal plain]] between the Atlantic coast and the [[fall line]], including the Eastern Shore and major [[estuary|estuaries]]. * [[Piedmont (United States)|Piedmont]]&mdash;Mesozoic [[sedimentary rock|sedimentary]] and [[igneous rock]]-based [[foothills]] east of the [[Appalachian Mountains]], but including the [[Southwest Mountains]].<ref name=agriculture>{{cite web |url= http://www.deq.state.va.us/vanaturally/guide/agriculture.html |title= Virginia's Agricultural Resources |work= [http://www.deq.state.va.us/vanaturally/homepage.html Natural Resource Education Guide] |publisher= [http://www.deq.state.va.us/ Virginia Department of Environmental Quality] |date= [[January 21]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-02-08}}</ref> * [[Blue Ridge Mountains]]&mdash;includes [[Mount Rogers]] and the [[Appalachian Trail]]. * [[Ridge-and-valley Appalachians|Ridge and Valley]]&mdash;includes [[Massanutten Mountain]] and the [[Great Appalachian Valley]] with [[carbonate rock]] below. * [[Appalachian Plateau]]&mdash;west of the mountains toward the [[Allegheny Plateau]] with a dendritic [[drainage system]] flowing into the [[Ohio River]] basin.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wm.edu/geology/virginia/provinces/phys_regions.html |title= Physiographic Regions of Virginia |work= [http://www.wm.edu/geology/virginia/ The Geology of Virginia] |publisher= [[College of William and Mary]] |date= [[February 16]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-07}}</ref> ===Climate=== {{main|Climate of Virginia}} [[Image:Shenandoah Trees.jpg|thumb|The Blue Ridge Mountains have a humid continental climate.]] Most of the state east of the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]], plus the southern part of the [[Shenandoah Valley]], has a [[humid subtropical climate]]. In the mountainous areas west of the Blue Ridge, the climate becomes [[humid continental climate|humid continental]].<ref name=Climate>{{cite web |url= http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG202/climate.html |title= Climate of Virginia |work= [http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG202/virginia.html GEOG 202] |publisher= [[Radford University]] |date= [[March 14]], [[2000]] |accessdate= 2007-11-21}}</ref> The moderating influence of the ocean from the east, powered by the [[Gulf Stream]], also creates the potential for [[tropical cyclone|hurricanes]] near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, making the coastal area vulnerable. Although [[Hurricane Gaston]] in 2004 inundated [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]], hurricanes rarely threaten communities far inland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/akq/wx_events/hur/GASTON/gaston.htm|title=Gaston impact|publisher=[[NOAA]]|date= [[September 3]], [[2004]] |accessdate=2007-12-06}}</ref> [[Thunderstorm]]s are an occasional concern, with the state averaging {{nowrap|35-45 days}} of thunderstorm activity annually. The area of most frequent thunderstorm occurrence is in the west.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vdem.state.va.us/business/hazthreats/natural/thunderstorms/index.cfm |title= Natural Hazards : Thunderstorms |work= [http://www.vaemergency.com/business/index.cfm Virginia Business Emergency Survival Toolkit] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-29}}</ref> The state averages {{nowrap|85 [[tornado]]es}} per year, though most are F2 and lower on the [[Fujita scale]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vdem.state.va.us/business/hazthreats/natural/tornadoes/index.cfm |title= Natural Hazards : Tornadoes |work= [http://www.vaemergency.com/business/index.cfm Virginia Business Emergency Survival Toolkit] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-29}}</ref> Cold air masses arriving over the mountains, especially in winter, can lead to significant snowfalls in those regions, such as the [[blizzard of 1996]]. The interaction of these elements with the state's topography creates distinct micro-climates in the Shenandoah Valley, the mountainous southwest, and the coastal plains.<ref>{{cite web |title= The Natural Communities of Virginia |publisher= Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation |url= http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/ncoverview.shtml |date= 2006 |accessdate = 2008-04-12}}</ref> In recent years, the expansion of the southern suburbs of [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]] into [[Northern Virginia]] has created an [[urban heat island]] due to the increased energy output of more densely used areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20020922182906/http://climate.virginia.edu/advisory/2001/ad01-07.htm|title=Advisory 01/07: The Hot Get Hotter? Urban Warming and Air Quality| publisher=University of Virginia Climatology Office| accessdate = 2007-07-30}}</ref> In 2005, seventeen of the ninety-five counties received failing grades for air quality, with [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax County]] having the worst in the state due to auto pollution.<ref name=fair>{{cite web |url= http://www.fairus.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_researchba6f |title= Immigration Impact: Virginia |work= Federation for American Immigration Reform |date= 2005 |accessdate= 2008-03-29}}</ref> Coal supplies half of the state's power needs, with another third from two [[nuclear power]] plants.<ref name=energy>{{cite web |url= http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=VA |work= Energy Information Administration |title= Virginia State Energy Profiles |publisher= [[United States Department of Energy]] |date= [[June 26]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-06-27}}</ref> ===Flora and fauna=== [[Image:shenandoah deer 20050521 191017 1.3008x2000.jpg|thumb|Deer at Tanner Ridge Overlook in [[Shenandoah National Park]]]] Virginia is sixty-five percent covered by forests.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.deq.virginia.gov/vanaturally/guide/forests.html |title= Virginia's Forest Resources |work= [http://www.deq.state.va.us/vanaturally/homepage.html Natural Resource Education Guide] |publisher= [http://www.deq.state.va.us/ Virginia Department of Environmental Quality] |date= [[January 21]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-02-08}}</ref> In some mountainous areas of the state, pine predominates and there is also the occasional naturally growing [[prickly pear]] [[cactus]]. Lower altitudes are more likely to have small but dense stands of moisture-loving [[Eastern Hemlock|hemlock]]s and [[moss]]es in abundance. Other commonly found trees and plants include [[oak]], [[hickory]], [[chestnut]], [[maple]], [[tulip poplar]], [[mountain laurel]], [[milkweed]], [[Rudbeckia hirta|daisies]], and many species of [[fern]]s. [[Gypsy moth]] infestations beginning in the early 1990s have eroded the dominance of the oak forests.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/forests.htm |title=Shenandoah National Park - Forests |publisher=National Park Service |accessdate=2007-09-10}}</ref> Mammals include whitetailed [[deer]], [[American Black Bear|black bear]], [[bobcat]], [[raccoon]], [[skunk]], [[opossum]], [[groundhog]], [[gray fox]], and eastern cottontail [[rabbit]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/mammals.htm |title=Shenandoah National Park - Mammals |publisher=National Park Service |accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref> Though unsubstantiated, there have been some reported sightings of [[mountain lion]] in areas of the state.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/billcochran/wb/22048 |title= Mountain lions are back -- maybe |first= Bill |last=Cochran |publisher=[[The Roanoke Times]] |date= [[April 21]], [[2005]] |accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref> Birds include [[Northern Cardinal|Virginia cardinal]], [[barred owl]]s, [[Carolina chickadee]]s, [[Red-tailed Hawk]]s, and wild [[turkey]]s. The [[Peregrine Falcon]] was reintroduced into Shenandoah National Park in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/birds.htm |title=Shenandoah National Park - Birds |publisher=National Park Service |accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref> Freshwater fish include [[brook trout]], longnose and blacknose dance, and the bluehead chub.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/fish.htm |title=Shenandoah National Park - Fish |publisher=National Park Service |accessdate=2007-09-01}}</ref>. Running brooks with rocky bottoms are often inhabited by a plentiful amount of [[crayfish]]. The Chesapeake Bay is home to many species, including [[blue crab]]s, [[clam]]s, [[oyster]]s, and [[rockfish]], also known as [[striped bass]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.chesapeakebay.net/info/baybio1.cfm |title= Bay Biology |publisher= [[Chesapeake Bay Program]] |date= [[January 5]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2008-02-04}}</ref> Virginia has many [[National Park Service]] units, including one [[national park]], the [[Shenandoah National Park]]. Shenandoah was established in 1935 and encompasses the scenic [[Skyline Drive]]. Almost forty percent of the park's area (79,579&nbsp;acres/322&nbsp;km²) has been designated as [[Wilderness]] and is protected as part of the [[National Wilderness Preservation System]]. Other parks in Virginia, such as [[Great Falls Park]] and [[Prince William Forest Park]] are included in the many [[List of areas in the National Park System of the United States in Virginia|areas in the National Park System]]. Additionally, there are thirty-four [[List of Virginia state parks|Virginia state parks]], run by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Forestry.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/state_park.shtml |title= Park Locations |work= [http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation] |date= [[November 9]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-01-26}}</ref> The Chesapeake Bay, while not a national park, is protected by both state and federal legislation, and the jointly run [[Chesapeake Bay Program]] which conducts restoration on the bay and its watershed. The [[Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge]] is protected by both Virginia and [[North Carolina]]. ==History== {{main|History of Virginia}} [[Image:Pocahontas.jpg|thumb|upright|A 19th century depiction of [[Pocahontas]], of the [[Powhatan]] tribe, an ancestor of many of the [[First Families of Virginia]]]] [[Jamestown 2007]] marked Virginia's quadricentennial year, celebrating four hundred years since the establishment of the Jamestown Colony. Over the centuries Virginia has been at the front of warfare from the [[American Revolution]] and the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] to the [[Cold War]] and the [[War on Terrorism]]. The far-reaching social changes of the mid- to late-20th century were expressed by broad-based celebrations marking contributions of three cultures to the state: Native American, European and African.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jamestown2007.org/pdfdocs/Three%20cultures%20release%20FINAL.pdf|title=Jamestown’s Cultural Roots Focus of Smithsonian Folklife Festival; Three Cultures That Converged At Jamestown Meet Again On The National Mall|accessdate=2007-12-10|format= PDF |publisher=Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation}}</ref> ===Colony=== {{main|Colony of Virginia}} At the time of the English colonization of Virginia, [[Native American (US)|Native American]] people were living in what now is Virginia. [[Native American tribes in Virginia]] included the [[Cherokee]], [[Chesepian]], [[Chickahominy (tribe)|Chickahominy]], [[Mattaponi]], [[Meherrin]], [[Monacan]], [[Nansemond]], [[Nottoway]], [[Pamunkey]], [[Powhatan]], [[Rappahannock tribe|Rappahannock]], [[Saponi]] and others.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/vaindians.htm |title= Virginia's Indians, Past & Present |first= Inez |last= Ramsey |work= [http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/amhist.htm American History Resources] |publisher= [[James Madison University]] |date= [[March 16]], [[2003]] |accessdate= 2007-11-29}}</ref> The natives are often divided into three groups, based to a large extent upon language differences. The largest group are known as the [[Algonquian]] led by [[Chief Powhatan]]. In 1607, the native Tidewater population was between 13,000 to 14,000.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nps.gov/jame/historyculture/powhatan-indian-lifeways.htm |title= Powhatan Indian Lifeways |work= [[National Park Service]] |first= Lee |last= Cotton |date= July 1999 |accessdate= 2008-06-26}}</ref> Powhatan controlled more than thirty tribes and over 150 settlements, speaking [[Powhatan language|Virginia Algonquian]]. Two other large groups, the Nottoway and Meherrin, spoke dialects of [[Iroquoian language|Iroquois]], and others in the piedmont used [[Siouan language|Sioux]] dialects.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/education/projects/webunits/vahistory/tribes.html |title= Native Peoples in Early Colonial Virginia |work= [[University of Richmond]] |accessdate= 2007-11-07}}</ref> [[Image:Colonial Williamsburg Governors Palace Front Dscn7232.jpg|thumb|left|[[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]] was the colonial capital from 1699 to 1780.]] In 1583, [[Queen regnant|Queen]] [[Elizabeth I of England]] granted Sir [[Walter Raleigh]] a charter to explore and plant a colony north of [[Florida]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.folger.edu/html/folger_institute/jamestown/c_harris.htm |title= The First Virginia |first= Andrew |last= Harris |work= [[Folger Shakespeare Library]] |date= [[September 20]], [[2005]] |accessdate= 2007-11-28}}</ref> In 1584, Sir [[Walter Raleigh]] explored the [[East Coast of the United States|Atlantic coast of North America]]. Raleigh, or possibly the Queen herself, named the area "Virginia" after Queen Elizabeth, known as the "Virgin Queen" because she never married.<ref>{{cite book |url= http://books.google.com/books?id=pq8j7k0LaR4C&printsec=frontcover#PPA77,M1 |title= Sir Walter Raleigh |first= Raleigh |last= Trevelyan |authorlink= Raleigh Trevelyan |origdate= [[2004-01-03]] |accessdate= 2007-12-26 |isbn= 080507502X |pages= 77-78}}</ref> The name eventually applied to the whole coast from [[South Carolina]] to [[Maine]], and included [[Bermuda]]. The [[London Virginia Company]] was incorporated as a [[joint stock company]] by the proprietary [[Charter of 1606]], which granted [[land rights]] to this area.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/va01.htm |title= The First Charter of Virginia; April 10, 1606 |work= [http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/ The Avalon Project] |publisher= [[Yale University]] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> The Company financed the first permanent [[England|English]] settlement in the [[New World]]. [[Jamestown Settlement|Jamestown]], named for [[James I of England|King James I]], was founded on [[May 13]], [[1607]] by Captains [[Christopher Newport]] and [[John Smith of Jamestown|John Smith]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://digital.lib.lehigh.edu/trial/justification/jamestown/time/all/ |title= Jamestown - Timeline |work= [http://digital.lib.lehigh.edu/trial/justification/ The Literature of Justification] |publisher= [[Lehigh University]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> In 1609 many colonists died during the "[[Starving Time (Jamestown)|starving time]]" after the loss of the [[Third Supply]]'s flagship, the ''[[Sea Venture]]''.<ref name=Wallenstein>{{cite book |last=Wallenstein|first=Peter|authorlink=Peter Wallenstein|title=Cradle of America: Four Centuries of Virginia History|publisher=University Press of Kansas|date=2007|pages=17, 104, 114|id=ISBN 978-0-7006-1507-0}}</ref> The [[House of Burgesses]] was established in 1619 as the colony's elected governance.<ref name=burgesses/> During this early period Virginia's population grew with the introduction of settlers and servants into the burgeoning plantation economy. In 1619, African servants were first introduced, with slavery being codified in 1661.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/investigations/212_indenturedfeature.html |title= Indentured Servants in the U.S. |work= History Detectives |publisher= [[Public Broadcasting Service]] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2008-05-19}}</ref> After 1618 the [[headright system]] led to more indentured servants from Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dhr.history.vt.edu/modules/us/mod02_slavery/context.html |title= Unthinking Decision? Why Did Slavery Emerge in Virginia? |publisher= [[Virginia Tech]] |work= Digital History Reader |date= 2008 |accessdate= 2008-05-19}}</ref> In this system, settlers received land for each servant they transported.<ref name=headright>{{cite web |url= http://www.vahistorical.org/research/genealogy.htm |title= Genealogy |work= Virginia Historical Society |date= [[May 15]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Land from the Native Americans was appropriated by force and treaty, including the [[Treaty of 1677]], which made the signatory tribes [[tributary state]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://virginiaindians.pwnet.org/history/1600s.php |title= History 1600s |work= [http://virginiaindians.pwnet.org/ Virginia's First People] |date= 2005 |accessdate= 2008-05-19}}</ref> The colonial capital was moved in 1699 to [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]], where the [[College of William and Mary]] had been founded in 1693.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/14/books/chapters/10141st-kukla.html?pagewanted=3 |title= ‘Mr. Jefferson’s Women’ |first= Jon |last= Kukla |date= [[October 14]], [[2007]] |work= [[The New York Times]] |accessdate= 2008-06-26}}</ref> [[Image:Patrick Henry Rothermel.jpg|thumb|upright|1851 painting of [[Patrick Henry]]'s speech before the [[House of Burgesses]] on the [[Virginia Resolves]] against the [[Stamp Act of 1765]]]] The House of Burgesses was temporarily dissolved in 1769 by the Royal governor [[Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt|Lord Botetourt]], after [[Patrick Henry]] and [[Richard Henry Lee]] led speeches on the distresses of the British [[No taxation without representation|taxation without representation]]. In 1773, Henry and Lee formed a [[committee of correspondence]], and in 1774 Virginia sent delegates to the [[Continental Congress]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/declaration/bio26.htm |title= Signers of the Declaration (Richard Henry Lee) |work= [[National Park Service]] |date= [[April 13]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2008-02-02}}</ref> On [[May 15]], [[1776]], the [[Virginia Convention]] declared independence from the [[British Empire]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jeffdec.html |title= Declaration of Independence |accessdate= 2008-04-12 |publisher= [[United States Library of Congress]] |date= [[June 19]], [[2006]]}}</ref> Shortly after, the Virginia Convention adopted the [[Virginia Declaration of Rights]] written by [[George Mason]], a document that influenced the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] and the [[United States Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]].<ref>{{cite journal| last =Schwartz| first =Stephan A.| title =George Mason : Forgotten Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights| journal =[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]]| issue =31.2| pages =142| date =May, 2000}}</ref> Then on [[June 29]], [[1776]], the convention enacted a [[Constitution of Virginia|constitution]], drafted by [[Thomas Jefferson]], that formally declared Virginia as an independent commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/va05.htm |title= The Constitution of Virginia; June 29, 1776 |accessdate= 2007-12-07 |publisher= The Avalon Project at Yale Law School}}</ref> During the [[American Revolutionary War]], the capital was moved to [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] at the urging of Governor Thomas Jefferson, fearing Williamsburg's location made it vulnerable to [[Kingdom of Great Britain|British]] attack.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cooper|first=Jean L.|title=A Guide to Historic Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia |publisher=The History Press|date=2007|pages=58|id=ISBN 1-596-29173-7}}</ref> In 1781, the combined action of [[Continental Army|Continental]] and French land and naval forces trapped the British on the [[Yorktown, Virginia|Yorktown]] peninsula, where troops under [[George Washington]] and French [[Comte de Rochambeau]] defeated British [[General Cornwallis]] in the [[Battle of Yorktown (1781)|Battle of Yorktown]]. The British surrender on [[October 19]], [[1781]] so shifted British public opinion that it led to the end of major hostilities and secured the independence of the colonies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vahistorical.org/sva2003/vacc.htm|title=The Story of Virginia; Becoming Americans|accessdate=2007-12-07|publisher=Virginia Historical Society}}</ref> ===Statehood=== Virginians were instrumental in writing the [[United States Constitution]]. [[James Madison]] drafted the [[Virginia Plan]] in 1787 and the Bill of Rights in 1789. [[Virginia Ratifying Convention|Virginia ratified]] the Constitution on [[June 25]], [[1788]]. The [[three-fifths compromise]] ensured that Virginia initially had the largest bloc in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]], which with the [[Virginia dynasty]] of presidents gave the commonwealth national importance. In 1790, both Virginia and Maryland ceded territory to form the new [[Washington, D.C.|District of Columbia]], though in 1847 the Virginian area was retroceded.<ref name=Wallenstein/> Virginia is sometimes called "Mother of States" because of its role in being carved into several mid-western states.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.census.gov/rocha/www/charfun.html |title= Fun Facts for the Charlotte Region |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |date= [[April 26]], [[2004]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> [[Image:Richmond Civil War ruins.jpg|thumb|[[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] was the capital of the [[Confederate States of America]].]] [[Nat Turner's slave rebellion]] in 1831 and [[John Brown (abolitionist)|John Brown]]'s raid on [[Harpers Ferry, West Virginia|Harpers Ferry]] in 1859 showed deep social discontent over the issue of slavery in Virginia and its role in the [[plantation economy]]. Besides agriculture, slave labor was also increasingly used in mining, shipbuilding and other industries.<ref>{{cite book |last=Davis|first=David Brion|authorlink=David Brion Davis|title=Inhuman Bondage: The Rise and Fall of Slavery in the New World|publisher=Oxford University Press|date=2006|pages=125, 208-210|id=ISBN 0-19-514073-7}}</ref> By 1860, almost half a million people, roughly thirty-one percent of the total population of Virginia, were enslaved.<ref name=hc>{{cite web |url= http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1860 |title= Census Data for Year 1860 |work= [http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/index.html Historical Census Browser] |publisher= [[University of Virginia]] |accessdate= 2007-11-25}}</ref> Virginia seceded from the Union on [[April 17]], [[1861]] after the [[Battle of Fort Sumter]]. Virginia turned over its military and ratified the [[Confederate States of America]] (CSA) constitution in June 1861. The CSA then moved its capitol to Richmond. In 1863 forty-eight counties in the northwest of the state separated from Virginia to form the State of [[West Virginia]]. [[Virginia in the American Civil War]] saw more battles fought than anywhere else, including the [[Battle of Bull Run|Battles of Bull Run]], the [[Seven Days Battles]], the [[Battle of Chancellorsville]], and the concluding [[Battle of Appomattox Courthouse]]. After the capture of Richmond, the Confederate capitol was moved to [[Danville, Virginia]]. With the work of the [[Committee of Nine]] during post-war [[Reconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]], Virginia formally rejoined the Union on [[January 26]], [[1870]], and adopted a constitution which provided for [[Voting rights in the United States|Negro suffrage]], a system of free [[public school]]s, and guarantee of civil and political rights.<ref>{{cite book |first= W.E.B. |last= Du Bois |title= Black Reconstruction in America, 1860-1880 |location= New York |publisher= Harcourt Brace/The Free Press (reprint) |origyear= 1935 |year= 1998 |pages= 598 |isbn= 0684856573}}</ref> [[Image:Martin A. Martin.jpg|thumb|[[Oliver Hill]] oversees the swearing in of the first African American member of the Trial Bureau of the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]]]] However during the culmination of the [[Jim Crow laws|Jim Crow]] era, legislators rewrote the [[Constitution of Virginia]] to include a [[poll tax]] and other measures on voter registration that effectively [[Disfranchisement after the Civil War|disfranchised]] African Americans, leading to underfunding for segregated schools and services, and the lack of representation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vahistorical.org/onthisday/21601.htm|title=Virginia's Constitutional Convention of 1901–1902|accessdate=2007-12-10|publisher=Virginia Historical Society}}</ref> African Americans still created vibrant communities and made progress. The first black students attended the [[University of Virginia School of Law]] in 1950, and [[Virginia Tech]] in 1953.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/fall97/feature1.html |title= Not Fast, But First: The Desegregation of Virginia Tech |first= Peter |last= Wallenstein |work= [http://www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/ VT Magazine] |month= Fall |year= 1997 |publisher= [[Virginia Tech]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Despite the determination of ''[[Brown v. Board of Education]]'', Virginia declared in 1958 that [[Desegregation|desegregated]] schools would not receive state funding, under the policy of "[[massive resistance]]" spearheaded by the powerful segregationist Senator [[Harry F. Byrd]].<ref name=MR>{{cite web |url=http://www.vahistorical.org/civilrights/massiveresistance.htm|title=The Civil Rights Movement in Virginia: Massive Resistance|accessdate=2007-12-10|publisher=Virginia Historical Society}}</ref> In 1959 [[Prince Edward County, Virginia|Prince Edward County]] closed their schools rather than [[racial integration|integrate]] them.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vahistorical.org/civilrights/pec.htm |title= Closing Prince Edward County's Schools |publisher= Virginia Historical Society |date= [[January 11]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> The subsequent lawsuit to open the schools, ''[[Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County]]'', was won by [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] natives [[Spottswood William Robinson III|Spottswood Robinson]] and [[Oliver Hill]], beginning the slow integration of Virginia's schools.<ref name=MR/> In addition, the [[African-American Civil Rights Movement (1955-1968)|Civil Rights Movement]] gained many participants in the 1960s and achieved the moral force to gain national legislation for protection of suffrage and civil rights for [[African Americans]]. In 1971, state legislators rewrote the constitution, after goals such as legal integration and the repeal of Jim Crow laws had been achieved. On [[January 13]], [[1990]], [[Douglas Wilder]] was elected Governor of Virginia and became the first African American to achieve that office since [[Reconstruction era (United States)|Reconstruction]]. In 1926, Dr. [[W.A.R. Goodwin]], rector of [[Williamsburg, Virginia|Williamsburg]]'s [[Bruton Parish Church]], began restoration of colonial era buildings in the historic district with financial backing of [[John D. Rockefeller Jr.]] resulting in [[Colonial Williamsburg]].<ref name=cw>{{cite web |url= http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?FeatureID=165 |title= Colonial Williamsburg |work= [http://www.virginia.org/ Virginia is for Lovers] |date= [[August 13]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> [[World War II]] and the [[Cold War]] led to massive expansion of government programs in the areas near Washington. [[Northern Virginia]] was targeted in the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]] because of the Pentagon site, where one hundred eighty-five people died. Tragedy again struck Virginia in 2007 when thirty-two students were killed in the [[Virginia Tech massacre]]. ==Cities and towns== {{main|Political subdivisions of Virginia}} [[Image:Virginia population map.png|thumb|left|Virginia population density map]] Virginia is divided into independent cities and counties, which function in the same manner. According to the [[United States Census Bureau|US Census Bureau]], independent cities are considered [[county-equivalent]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cob/co_metadata.html |title= County & County Equivalent Areas |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |date= [[April 19]], [[2005]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> As of 2006, thirty-nine of the forty-two [[Independent city|independent cities]] in the United States are in Virginia. [[List of towns in Virginia|Incorporated town]]s are recognized as part of the [[List of Virginia counties|95 counties in Virginia]], but are not independent. There are also hundreds of other [[List of unincorporated towns in Virginia|unincorporated communities in Virginia]]. Virginia does not have any further political subdivisions, such as villages or townships. [[Image:Richmond Night Skyline.jpg|thumb|left|[[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] skyline from the [[Manchester Bridge]]]] Virginia has eleven [[List of U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in Virginia|Metropolitan Statistical Areas]]. [[Northern Virginia]], [[Hampton Roads]], and [[Richmond-Petersburg]] are the three most populated metropolitan areas of the state. Richmond is the capital of Virginia, and the [[Richmond-Petersburg|Richmond metropolitan]] area has a population of over {{nowrap|1.2 million}} people.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://intranet.grpva.com/intranet/WEB2002/Populationx_r.asp |title= Population in Greater Richmond Virginia |work= [http://www.grpva.com/ Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2008-02-19}}</ref> [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach]] is the most populous city in the commonwealth, with [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]] and [[Chesapeake, Virginia|Chesapeake]] second and third, respectively. Norfolk forms the urban core of this metropolitan area, which is home to over {{nowrap|1.7 million}} people and the world's largest naval base.<ref name=hr/> Although it is not incorporated as a city, [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax County]] is the most populous locality in Virginia, with over one million residents.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/51/51059.html |title= Fairfax County QuickFacts |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |date= [[August 31]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> Fairfax has a major urban business and shopping center in [[Tysons Corner]], Virginia's largest office market.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/re_tysons.htm |title= Doing Business in Fairfax County |work= [http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/ Fairfax County Economic Development Authority] |date= [[June 26]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> Neighboring [[Loudoun County, Virginia|Loudoun County]], with the county seat at [[Leesburg, Virginia|Leesburg]], is the fastest-growing county in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0123/p02s02-ussc.html |title= In a fast-growing county, sprawl teaches hard lessons |first= Coral |last= Davenport |work= [[Christian Science Monitor]] |date= [[January 23]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington County]], the smallest self-governing county in the United States by land area, is an urban community organized as a county.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/22/AR2005112202165_pf.html |title= Silent Streams |work= [[The Washington Post]] |first= Mary |last= Battiata |date= [[November 27]], [[2005]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> [[Roanoke, Virginia|Roanoke]], with a {{nowrap|population of 292,983}}, is the largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in western Virginia.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.visitroanokeva.com/displayinfo.asp?TOPIC=1&NID=254 |title= Group Tours |work= [http://www.visitroanokeva.com/ Virginia's Roanoke Valley] |accessdate= 2008-02-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metropop/2005/cbsa-01-fmt.csv |title= Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas |date= [[July 1, 2005]] |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate= 2008-02-19}}</ref> [[Suffolk, Virginia|Suffolk]], which includes a portion of the [[Great Dismal Swamp]], is the largest city geographically.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.suffolk.va.us/community/history.html |title= All About Suffolk |work= [[Suffolk, Virginia|Suffolk]] |date= [[February 12]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-02-19}}</ref> ==Demographics== {{main|Demographics of Virginia}} {{USCensusPop |1790 = 691737 |1800 = 807557 |1810 = 877683 |1820 = 938261 |1830 = 1044054 |1840 = 1025227 |1850 = 1119348 |1860 = 1219630 |1870 = 1225163 |1880 = 1512565 |1890 = 1655980 |1900 = 1854184 |1910 = 2061612 |1920 = 2309187 |1930 = 2421851 |1940 = 2677773 |1950 = 3318680 |1960 = 3966949 |1970 = 4648494 |1980 = 5346818 |1990 = 6187358 |2000 = 7078515 }} As of 2006, Virginia had an estimated population {{nowrap|of 7,642,884}} which is an increase {{nowrap|of 78,557}}, or one percent, from the prior year and an increase {{nowrap|of 563,854}}, or eight percent, since the year 2000. This includes an increase from net migration of {{nowrap|276,292 people}} into the commonwealth. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of {{nowrap|151,748 people}}, and migration within the country produced a net increase of {{nowrap|124,544 people}}.<ref name=demographics/> The [[center of population]] of Virginia is located in [[Goochland County, Virginia|Goochland County]].<ref name=census>{{cite web |url= http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |title= Population and Population Centers by State |date= 2000 |accessdate= 2007-11-07 |format=TXT|work= [[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> [[English language|English]] was passed as the commonwealth's official language by statutes in 1981 and 1996, and by law in 2006, though the status is not mandated by the [[Constitution of Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.proenglish.org/states/virginia.htm |title= Virginia ProEnglish |work= [http://www.proenglish.org/ ProEnglish.org] |date= [[November 20]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-20}}</ref> English is the only language spoken by {{nowrap|6,201,784 (86.9%) Virginians}}, though it is spoken very well by an additional {{nowrap|536,508 (7.5%)}} for a total of 94.3% of the Commonwealth which speaks English. [[Spanish language|Spanish]] has the most speakers of other languages, with {{nowrap|412,416 (5.8%)}}. {{nowrap|240,332 (3.4%) speak}} Asian and Pacific Islander languages, including [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]] and [[Filipino language|Filipino]].<ref name=language>{{cite web |url= http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-qr_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_DP2&-geo_id=04000US51 |title= Virginia Selected Social Characteristics in the United States |date= 2006 |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate= 2007-12-20}}</ref> ===Ethnicity=== The five largest reported [[ancestry]] groups in Virginia are: [[African]] (19.6%), [[German-American|German]] (11.7%), unspecified [[American ancestry|American]] (11.4%), [[English American|English]] (11.1%), and [[Scots-Irish]] and [[Irish American|Irish]] (9.8%).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=04000US51&-qr_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U_QTP13&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF3_U |title= Virginia - QT-P13. Ancestry: 2000 |date= 2000 |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate= 2007-12-05}}</ref> 20.8% of Virginians are African-American, most of whom are descendants of enslaved Africans who worked its [[tobacco]], [[cotton]], and [[hemp]] plantations. These men and women were brought from west central Africa, primarily [[Angola]] and [[Niger Delta]] region of modern day [[Nigeria]].<ref>{{cite book |first= Gwendolyn Midlo |last= Hall |title= Slavery and African Ethnicities in the Americas: Restoring the Links |location= Chapel Hill |publisher= University of North Carolina Press |year= 2005}}</ref> The twentieth century [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] of blacks from the rural South to the North reduced Virginia's black population; however, in the past forty years there has been a reverse migration of blacks [[New Great Migration|returning]] to Virginia and the rest of the South.<ref name=demographics>{{cite web |url= http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=04000US51&-qr_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_DP5&-ds_name=ACS_2006_EST_G00_&-_lang=en&-_sse=on |title= Virginia - ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates: 2006 |work= [[United States Census Bureau]] |date= 2006 |accessdate= 2007-12-05}}</ref> The western mountains have many settlements founded by [[Scots-Irish]] immigrants before the Revolution.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?featureid=225 |title= Scots-Irish Sites in Virginia |work= [http://www.virginia.org/ Virginia Is For Lovers] |date= [[January 3]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-02-02}}</ref> There are also sizable numbers of people of German descent in the northwestern mountains and Shenandoah Valley. People of English heritage settled throughout the state during the colonial period, and others of British heritage have migrated there through the decades for work.<ref name=dutch/> Because of more recent immigration in the late 20th century and early 21st century, there are rapidly growing populations of Hispanics, particularly [[Central America]]ns, and Asians in [[Northern Virginia]]. The Hispanic population of the state tripled from 1990 to 2006, with two-thirds of Hispanics living in Northern Virginia. In contrast to the Hispanics nationally, Hispanics in the Virginia have higher [[median household income]]s and [[educational attainment]] than United States or Virginia as a whole.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://hamptonroads.com/2008/02/states-hispanic-population-nearly-triples-1990-0 |title= State's Hispanic population nearly triples since 1990 |work= [[University of Virginia]] |date= February, 2008 |accessdate= 2008-02-08}}</ref> As of 2007, 6.6% of Virginians are [[Hispanic]], 5.5% are [[Asian people|Asian]], and 1.8% are American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.<ref name=demographics/> Northern Virginia has the largest [[Vietnamese American|Vietnamese]] population on the East Coast, with slightly more than {{nowrap|99,000 Vietnamese}} residents, whose major wave of immigration followed the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>{{cite journal |title= Vietnamese American Place Making in Northern Virginia |first= Joseph |last= Wood |journal= Geographical Review |volume= 87 |issue= 1 |month= January |year= 1997 |pages= 58–72 |url= http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0016-7428%28199701%2987%3A1%3C58%3AVAPMIN%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 |accessdate= 2007-11-29 |doi= 10.2307/215658}}</ref> Virginia also continues to be the home to eight federally recognized [[Native American tribes in Virginia|American Indian tribes]], with six other tribes recognized by the state.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/22/AR2007112201416_pf.html |title= As Year's End Nears, Disappointment |first= Brigid |last= Schulte |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[November 23]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-06-25}}</ref> <div style="overflow:auto; overflow-x:auto; overflow-y:hidden; width: 800;"> {|border="0" align=center |- |rowspan="2"|{{US Demographics}} |valign="top"|<br /><center>'''Top Ancestries by County'''<center/> [[Image:Virginia Ancestries by County.jpg|280px]] |} </div> ===Religion=== {| class="wikitable" align="right" style="margin-left: 15px" |- | bgcolor="#ccccff" align="center" colspan="6" | '''''Religious affiliation'''''<ref name="ARIS">[[Demographics of the United States#Religious affiliation|American Religious Identification Survey]] (ARIS). [http://www.gc.cuny.edu/faculty/research_briefs/aris/key_findings.htm CUNY Key Findings]. 2001.</ref> |- |colspan="2" style="border-bottom:0px;"|[[Christianity|Christian]]: |76% |style="border-left:0px; border-bottom:0px"| |[[Baptist]]: |30% |- |rowspan="3" style="border-top:0px;"| |[[Protestantism|Protestant]]: |style="border-right:0px"|49% |style="border-left:0px; border-top:0px; border-bottom:0px"| |[[Methodism|Methodist]]: |7% |- |[[Roman Catholicism in the United States|Roman Catholic]]: |14% |rowspan="6" style="border-top:0px"| |[[Lutheranism|Lutheran]]: |2% |- |Other Christian: |13% |[[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]]: |3% |- |colspan="2"|[[Judaism]]: |1% |[[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopal]]: |3% |- |colspan="2"|[[Islam]]: |1% |[[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]]: |2% |- |colspan="2"|Other religions: |4% |[[Congregational church|Congregational]]: |1% |- |colspan="2"|Non-religious: |12% |Other/general: |2% |} Virginia is predominantly [[Protestantism|Protestant]]; [[Baptist]]s are the largest single group with thirty percent of the population.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.usatoday.com/graphics/news/gra/gnoreligion/flash.htm |title= What is your religion... if any? |work= [[USA Today]] |date= 2001 |accessdate= 2007-03-21}}</ref> [[Roman Catholicism in the United States|Roman Catholics]] are the second-largest group. Baptist denominational groups in Virginia include the [[Baptist General Association of Virginia]], with about {{nowrap|1,400 member}} churches, which supports both the [[Southern Baptist Convention]] and the moderate [[Cooperative Baptist Fellowship]]; and the [[Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia]] with over {{nowrap|500 affiliated}} churches, which supports the Southern Baptist Convention.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://hamptonroads.com/node/180361 |title= 2nd Georgia church joins moderate Va. Baptist association |date= [[November 10]], [[2006]] |first= Steven G. |last= Vegh |work= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] |accessdate= 2007-12-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=26884 |title= SBCV passes 500 mark |date= [[November 20]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-18 |work= [http://www.bpnews.net/ Baptist Press]}}</ref> While a small population in terms of the state overall, [[Jew]]ish people have been long part of its history. The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Arlington]] includes most of Northern Virginia's Catholic churches, while the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond|Diocese of Richmond]] covers the rest. The [[Virginia Synod]] is responsible for the churches of the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]. The [[Episcopal Diocese of Virginia]], [[Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia|Southern Virginia]], and [[Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia|Southwestern Virginia]] support the various Episcopal churches. In November 2006, fifteen conservative Episcopal churches in the Diocese of Virginia voted to split from the diocese and the larger [[Anglican Communion]] church over the issue of sexuality and the ordination of openly gay clergy and bishops. Virginia law allows parishioners to determine their church's affiliation. The resulting property law case is a test for Episcopal churches nationwide, as the diocese claims the church properties of those congregations that want to secede.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/13/AR2007111302078.html |title= Trial Begins in Clash Over Va. Church Property |first= Michelle |last= Boorstein |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[November 14]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-19}}</ref> About fifty percent of those practicing non-Christian faiths come from [[India]]. Others may include Vietnamese Americans and others of Asian descent. Together, those who practice [[Buddhism]] and [[Hinduism]] form the fastest growing group, and largest of the "Other Religions" group, accounting for one percent of the population. [[Islam]], the second fastest growing religious group, accounts for {{nowrap|0.99% of}} the population.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.adherents.com/adhloc/Wh_351.html |work= [http://www.adherents.com/ Adherents.com] |title= Religion by Location |date= [[April 23]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> Non-denominational [[megachurch]]es in the state include [[McLean Bible Church]] and [[Immanuel Bible Church]]. ==Economy== {{main|Economy of Virginia}} [[Image:Virginia Beach from Fishing Pier.jpg|thumb|Tourism is an important sector in [[Virginia Beach, Virginia|Virginia Beach's]] economy]] Virginia's economy is well balanced with diverse sources of income, made up of 4.1 million civilian workers.<ref name=energy/> In 2006, [[Forbes Magazine]] named Virginia the best state in the nation for business.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.yesvirginia.org/pdf/Forbes.com.pdf |format= PDF |title= Virginia Rated Top State for Business |work= Virginia Economic Development Partnership |date= 2006 |accessdate= 2008-03-11}}</ref> As of the 2000 census, Virginia had the highest number of counties and independent cities, fifteen, in the top one-hundred [[Highest-income counties in the United States|wealthiest jurisdictions in the United States]] based upon median income. In addition, Virginia tied with Colorado as having the most counties, ten, in the top one-hundred based on per capita income.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.bea.gov/regional/reis/drill.cfm?table=CA1-3&catable=CA1-3&lc=30&years=2005&rformat=display&areatype=LOCAL&sort=1 |title= Per capita personal income |work= Regional Economic Information System |publisher= [[Bureau of Economic Analysis]] |date= April 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> As of 2007, seven {{nowrap|[[Fortune 500]]}} companies are headquartered in the [[Richmond-Petersburg|Richmond area]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2007/cities/ |title= Fortune 500 2007: Cities |work= [[Money (magazine)|Money]] |date= [[April 30]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-01-03}}</ref> Virginia has seventeen total {{nowrap|Fortune 500}} companies, making it rank tenth nationwide. Additionally, ten {{nowrap|[[Fortune 1000]]}} companies are in Northern Virginia, with a total of twenty-nine in the state.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2007/states/VA.html |title= Fortune 500 2007: States: Virginia |date= [[April 30]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-01-03 |work= [[Money (magazine)|Money]]}}</ref> With only 1% of the [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic American]] population, the state claims 3.6% of [[Hispanic 500]] companies.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/research/500/list.asp?ListYear=2008&States=VA&City=&RawText=&Conjunction=AND&Submit1=Find+companies |title= Hispanic Business 500 - 2008 Directory |date= [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-06-13 |work= HispanTelligence}}</ref> [[Image:The Pentagon US Department of Defense building.jpg|thumb|[[The Pentagon]], headquarters of the [[United States Department of Defense|US Department of Defense]] in [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington]], is the largest office building on earth.]] Virginia has the highest concentration of technology workers of any state.<ref>{{cite news | first=Matthew | last=Kazmierczak | title=D.C. Capital Region Is A Growing High-Tech Hub | date=2007-04-24 | publisher=American Electronics Association | url = http://www.aeanet.org/PressRoom/prjj_cs2007_dccapitalregion.asp | accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref> One-third of Virginia's jobs are in the service sector.<ref name=ng/> [[Integrated circuit|Computer chips]] became the state's highest-grossing export in 2006, surpassing its traditional top exports of [[coal]] and tobacco, combined.<ref name=chips>{{cite news |url= http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=120082&ran=25886 |title= Computer chips now lead Virginia exports |first= Gregory |last= Richards |work= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] |date= [[February 24]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> [[Northern Virginia]], once considered the state's dairy capital, now hosts [[software]], [[communication technology]], and [[consulting]] companies. The [[Dulles Technology Corridor]] near [[Dulles International Airport]] has a high concentration of [[Internet]], communications and software engineering firms.<ref name=dulles/> [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax]] and [[Loudoun County, Virginia|Loudoun]] counties in Northern Virginia have the highest and second highest median household income, respectively, of all counties in the United States as of 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/29/AR2006082901543.html |title= D.C. Suburbs Top List Of Richest Counties |first= Goldstein |last= Amy |coauthors= Dan Keating |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[August 30]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> Many of Northern Virginia's well-educated population work directly for Federal agencies. Many others work for [[government contractor]]s, including defense and security contractors.<ref name=fedjobs>{{cite news |url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1587284-2,00.html |title= The Federal Job Machine |date= [[February 8]], [[2007]] |work= [[Time (Magazine)|Time]] |first= Justin |last= Fox |accessdate= 2007-11-07}}</ref> Well-known government agencies headquartered in Northern Virginia include the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] and the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]], as well as the [[National Science Foundation]], the [[United States Geological Survey]] and the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]. The [[Seven Cities of Hampton Roads|Hampton Roads area]] has the largest concentration of military bases and facilities of any metropolitan area in the world. The largest of the bases is [[Naval Station Norfolk]].<ref name=hr>{{cite web |url= http://www.americasfirstregion.com/about_hr.html |title= About Hampton Roads |work= [http://www.americasfirstregion.com/ Hampton Roads, Virginia is America's First Region] |date= [[December 21]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> The state is second to [[Alaska]] in [[per capita]] defense spending.<ref>{{cite news |title= Federal Domestic Spending Up 9 Percent in 2001 | date= 2002 | publisher= [[United States Census Bureau]] | url= http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/governments/000498.html | work = [[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate = 2007-10-07}}</ref> In [[Southside Virginia]] from the [[Hampton Roads]] to Richmond and to [[Lee County, Virginia|Lee County]], the economy is based on military installations, and [[cattle]], [[tobacco]] and [[peanut]] farming. About twenty percent of Virginian jobs are in agriculture, with {{nowrap|47,000 farms}}, averaging {{convert|181|acre|sqmi km2|2|lk=on|abbr=on}}.<ref name=agriculture/> [[Tomato]]es surpassed [[soy]] as the most profitable crop in Virginia in 2006, with peanuts and [[hay]] as other agricultural products.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://hamptonroads.com/node/354831 |title= Tomato moves into the top money-making spot in Virginia |date= [[October 17]], [[2007]] |first= Linda |last= McNatt |publisher= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] |accessdate=2007-10-18}}</ref> [[Oysters]] are an important part of the Chesapeake Bay economy, but declining populations due to disease, pollution, and overfishing have diminished catches.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.magazine.noaa.gov/stories/mag165.htm |title= NOAA Working to Restore Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay |work= [[NOAA]] |date= [[March 31]], [[2005]] |accessdate= 2008-02-14}}</ref> Wineries and vineyards in the [[Northern Neck]] and along the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] also have begun to generate income and attract tourists.<ref name=wine>{{cite web |url= http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdffiles/vawinery.pdf |title= Assessment of the Profitability and Viability of Virginia Wineries |date= June 2007 |work= MKF Research LLC |publisher= [http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services] |accessdate= 2008-06-26}}</ref> ===Taxation=== Virginia collects personal [[income tax]] in five income brackets, ranging from 3.0% to 5.75%. The [[Sales tax|sales]] and [[use tax]] rate is 5%. The tax rate on food is 2.5%. There is an additional 1% local tax, for a total of a 5% combined [[sales tax]] on most Virginia purchases and a combined tax rate of 2.5% on food.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.taxadmin.org/FTA/rate/sales.html |title=State Sales Tax Rates |publisher=Federation of Tax Administrators |accessdate=2007-09-24}}</ref> Virginia's [[property tax]] is set and collected at the local government level and varies throughout the commonwealth. [[Real estate]] is taxed at the local level based on one-hundred percent of fair market value. Tangible personal property also is taxed at the local level and is based on a percentage or percentages of original cost.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tax.virginia.gov/web_PDFs/taxfacts.pdf |format= PDF |title= Virginia Tax Facts |publisher= Virginia Department of Taxation |date= February 2008 |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> ==Culture== [[Image:Cultural Regions of Virginia.png|thumb|Map of nine Virginia cultural regions]] [[Image:Colonial Williamsburg Store Interior.jpg|thumb|Colonial Virginian culture and style is reenacted in Williamsburg.]] Virginia's historic culture was popularized and spread across America and [[Southern United States|the South]] by [[George Washington|Washington]], [[Thomas Jefferson|Jefferson]], and [[Robert E. Lee|Lee]], and their homes represent Virginia as the birthplace of America and of the South.<ref>{{cite book |url= http://www.elizamcgraw.com/excerpt.html |title= Two Covenants: Representations of Southern Jewishness |first= Eliza |last= McGraw |publisher= Louisiana State University Press |date= [[June 24]], [[2005]] |isbn= 0-8071-3043-5 |accessdate= 2007-11-29}}</ref> Modern Virginia culture is a subculture in the wider [[culture of the Southern United States]], though it shows elements of the North as well. Although the [[Piedmont, Virginia|Piedmont]] dialect is one of the most famous with its strong influence on [[Southern American English]], various accents are present including the [[Tidewater]] dialect and the anachronistic Elizabethan of [[Tangier Island]], as well as a more homogenized [[American English]] in urban areas with a great deal of transplants.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.baconsrebellion.com/Issues05/05-09/Curious.htm |title= Virginia’s Many Voices |first= Edwin S. |last= Clay III |coauthors= Patricia Bangs |work= [http://www.baconsrebellion.com/Issues04/08-09/index.html Bacon's Rebellion] |date= [[May 9]], [[2005]] |accessdate= 2007-11-28}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |url= http://web.ku.edu/idea/northamerica/usa/virginia/virginia.htm |title= Dialects Of Virginia |work= [http://web.ku.edu/idea/ International Dialects of English Archive] |publisher= [[University of Kansas]] |date= [[November 1]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-28}}</ref> Besides the general [[cuisine of the Southern United States]], Virginia maintains its own particular traditions. [[Virginia wine]] is made in many parts of the state.<ref name=wine/> ''Smithfield ham'', sometimes called ''Virginia ham'', is a type of [[country ham]] which is [[Geographical indication|protected]] by state law, and can only be produced in the town of [[Smithfield, Virginia|Smithfield]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+3.1-867 |title= Code of Virginia > 3.1-867 |work= [http://leg1.state.va.us/lis.htm LIS] |date= [[July 14]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-28}}</ref> [[Virginia furniture]] and architecture are typical of [[American colonial architecture]]. Thomas Jefferson and many of the state's early leaders favored the [[Neoclassical architecture]] style, leading to its use for important state buildings. The [[Pennsylvania Dutch]] and their style can also be found in parts of the state.<ref name=dutch>{{cite journal |url= http://www.vahistorical.org/publications/Abstract_1091_Keller.htm |title= Pennsylvania and Virginia Germans during the Civil War |publisher= Virginia Historical Society |first= Christian B. |last= Keller |journal= Virginia Magazine of History and Biography |volume= 109 |year= 2001 |pages= 37–86 |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> ===Fine and performing arts=== {{seealso|Music of Virginia}} [[Image:Wolf Trap (national park) meadow pavilion.jpg|thumb|The Meadow Pavilion is one of the theaters at [[Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts]].]] The [[Virginia Foundation for the Humanities]] works to improve commonwealth's civic, cultural, and intellectual life.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.virginia.edu/vfh/mission.html |title= Mission & History |work= [[Virginia Foundation for the Humanities]] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-12-09}}</ref> The [[Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]] is a state-funded museum with the largest collection of [[Fabergé egg]]s outside of [[Russia]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vmfa.museum/exhibitions.html |title= Art on View |work= [[Virginia Museum of Fine Arts]] |date= [[December 6]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> The [[Chrysler Museum of Art]] is home to many pieces, stemming from the Chrysler family collection, including the final sculpture of [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.chrysler.org/italian01.asp |title= Collections - Bust of the Savior |work= [[Chrysler Museum of Art]] |date= 2006 |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> Other museums include the popular [[Science Museum of Virginia]], the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] of the [[National Air and Space Museum]], the [[Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia|Frontier Culture Museum]], and the [[Mariners' Museum]]. Besides these sites, many [[open air museum]]s and battlefields are located in the state, such as [[Colonial Williamsburg]], [[Richmond National Battlefield Park|Richmond National Battlefield]], and [[Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park]]. [[Image:Pharrell 2006.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[The Neptunes]] produced 43% of all songs on American radio in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/etoday/story.html?id=188f22d7-ca41-472f-9283-331bd5b1a654 |title= The world's Top 10 hip-hop producers |work= CanWest News Service |date= [[September 19]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2008-06-17}}</ref>]] [[Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts]] is located in [[Vienna, Virginia|Vienna]] and is the only national park intended for use as a performing arts center. Wolf Trap hosts the [[Wolf Trap Opera Company]], which produces an opera festival every summer. The [[Harrison Opera House]] in [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]] is home to the official [[Virginia Opera]]. The [[Virginia Symphony Orchestra]] is based in [[Hampton Roads]]. The [[American Shakespeare Center]] is located in [[Staunton, Virginia|Staunton]], and home to resident and touring theater troupes. Other notable theaters include the [[Ferguson Center for the Arts]], the [[Barter Theatre]], and the [[Landmark Theater]]. Virginia has launched many award-winning traditional music artists as well as internationally successful [[popular music]] acts. [[Ralph Stanley]], [[Patsy Cline]], [[The Statler Brothers]] and [[The Carter Family]] are award winning [[Bluegrass music|Bluegrass]] and [[Country music]] musicians from Virginia, and [[Ella Fitzgerald]] and [[Pearl Bailey]] were both from [[Newport News]]. [[Hip hop]] and [[Rhythm and blues]] acts like [[Missy Elliott]], [[Timbaland]], [[The Neptunes]], [[Chris Brown (singer)|Chris Brown]], and [[Clipse]] hail from the commonwealth; as does [[singer-songwriter]] [[Jason Mraz]] and [[jam band]]s like the [[Pat McGee Band]] and [[Dave Matthews Band]], who continue their strong charitable connection to [[Charlottesville, Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dmband.com/bama/charities/ |title= Charities |work= [[Dave Matthews Band]] |date= [[November 15]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> Influential stage-rock group [[GWAR]] also began at [[Virginia Commonwealth University]]. Major performance venues in the state include [[The Birchmere]], [[Norva Theatre]], [[John Paul Jones Arena]], [[Nissan Pavilion]], the [[Patriot Center]], and the [[Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater]]. ===Festivals=== [[Image:FireworksGovCenter2.jpg|thumb|The annual [[Celebrate Fairfax Festival|Celebrate Fairfax!]] festival attracts more than 70,000 visitors.]] Many counties and localities host [[county fair]]s and festivals. The [[Virginia State Fair]] is held at the [[Richmond International Raceway]] every September. [[Fairfax County, Virginia|Fairfax County]] sponsors [[Celebrate Fairfax!]] the second weekend after Memorial Day.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.celebratefairfax.org |title= Celebrate Fairfax! Festival |publisher= Celebrate Fairfax, Inc |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-25}}</ref> In [[Virginia Beach]], the end of September brings the [[Neptune Festival]], celebrating the city, the waterfront, and regional artists.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.neptunefestival.com |title= Neptune Festival |publisher= Virginia Beach Neptune Festival |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-25}}</ref> On the [[Eastern Shore of Virginia|Eastern Shore]] island of [[Chincoteague, Virginia|Chincoteague]] the annual Pony Swim & Auction of [[feral]] [[Chincoteague Pony|Chincoteague ponies]] at the end of July is a unique local tradition expanded into a week-long carnival.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-events/ev-pony.html |title= Chincoteague Firemen's Carnival, Pony Swim, Pony Auction |work= [http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/ Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce] |date= [[February 21]], [[2003]] |accessdate= 2007-11-28}}</ref> The [[Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival]] is a six-day festival held annually in [[Winchester, Virginia|Winchester]] that includes parades and bluegrass concerts. From 2005 to 2007, [[Richmond, Virginia|Richmond]] was host of the [[National Folk Festival (USA)|National Folk Festival]]. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival is held over four days in May in [[Reston, Virginia|Reston]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://festivalsandevents.com/festival.php?state=VA |title= Virginia Festivals and Events |date= 2007 |work= FestivalsandEvents.com |accessdate= 2007-11-28}}</ref> Two important [[film festival]]s, the [[Virginia Film Festival]] and the [[VCU French Film Festival]], are held annually in Charlottesville and Richmond, respectively. Annual [[fan convention]]s in the commonwealth include [[Anime USA]], the national [[anime]] convention held in [[Crystal City, Virginia|Crystal City]], [[Anime Mid-Atlantic]] held in various cities, [[Magfest]] music and gaming festival, and [[RavenCon]] [[science fiction convention]] in Richmond. {{clear}} ==Media== [[Image:USA Today building.jpg|thumb|McLean is home to the headquarters of [[USA Today]], the nation's most circulated newspaper.]] The [[Hampton Roads]] area is the forty-second largest [[media market]] in the United States as ranked by [[Nielsen Media Research]], and the [[Richmond-Petersburg]] area is sixtieth and [[Roanoke, Virginia|Roanoke]]-[[Lynchburg, Virginia|Lynchburg]] is sixty-eighth.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://web.archive.org/web/20060517010320/http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html |title= 210 Designated Market Areas - 03-04| publisher = Nielsen Media | accessdate=2006-11-26 }}</ref> There are twenty-one [[List of television stations in Virginia|television stations in Virginia]], representing each major U.S. network, part of forty-two stations which serve Virginia viewers.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.globalcomputing.com/GetTV_Map1.cfm?PageNum_q_GetTV_Map=1&stateid=VA |title= U.S. Television Stations in Virginia |work= [http://www.globalcomputing.com/ Global Computing] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref> About {{nowrap|352 [[List of radio stations in Virginia|radio]]}} [[List of radio stations in Virginia|stations broadcast in Virginia]]. The nationally available [[Public Broadcasting Service]], abbreviated as PBS, is headquartered in [[Arlington, Virginia|Arlington]]. The locally focused [[Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation]], a non-profit corporation which owns public TV and radio stations, has offices around the state.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ideastations.org/about/cpbc.html |title= About Us |work= The Community Idea Stations |date= 2008 |accessdate= 2008-03-24}}</ref> Major newspapers in the commonwealth include ''[[The Virginian-Pilot]]'', based in [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], the ''[[Richmond Times-Dispatch]]'', and ''[[The Roanoke Times]]''. The Times-Dispatch has a daily {{nowrap|subscription of 186,441}}, slightly more than the Pilot {{nowrap|at 183,024}}, fiftieth and fifty-second in the nation respectively, while the Roanoke Times has about {{nowrap|97,000 daily}} subscribers.<ref>{{cite web | title=2007 Top 100 Daily Newspapers in the U.S. by Circulation |publisher= BurrellesLuce |url=http://www.burrellesluce.com/top100/2007_Top_100List.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2007-05-30 |date=2007-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.landmarkcom.com/?name=News&file=article&sid=22|title=Landmark Metro Newspapers: The Roanoke Times|publisher=Landmark Communications, Inc.|date=2006|accessdate=2008-04-07}}</ref> Several [[Washington, D.C.]] papers are based in [[Northern Virginia]], such as ''[[The Washington Examiner]]'' and ''[[The Politico]]''. The nation's widest circulated paper, ''[[USA Today]]'', is headquartered in [[McLean, Virginia|McLean]]. The Arlington based [[Freedom Forum]] is an organization dedicated to free press and journalistic free speech.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10384382 |title= Journalist deaths in Iraq compare to those of WW2 |work= [[Reuters]] |publisher= [[The New Zealand Herald]] |date= [[May 31]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2008-03-24}}</ref> Besides traditional forms of media, Virginia is home to telecommunication companies such as [[Sprint Nextel]] and [[XO Communications]]. The [[Dulles Technology Corridor]] contains the "pathways that carry more than half of all traffic on the Internet."<ref name=dulles>{{cite news | coauthors = Sally Donnelly and Adam Zagorin | title = D.C. Dotcom | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,52073-1,00.html | publisher = Time | date = 2000-08-06 | accessdate = 2007-09-27 }}</ref> ==Education== [[Image:Langley High School.jpg|thumb|[[Langley High School]] in Fairfax County is one of Virginia's ranked schools.]] [[Public school|Public]] [[K–12 education|K-12 schools]] in Virginia are generally operated by the counties and cities, and not by the state. Virginia's educational system consistently ranks in the top ten states on the [[United States Department of Education|U.S. Department of Education]]'s [[National Assessment of Educational Progress]], with Virginia students outperforming the average in all subject areas and grade levels tested.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://nces.ed.gov/programs/stateprofiles/sresult.asp?mode=full&displaycat=7&s1=51 |title= State Education Data Profiles |work= [[National Assessment of Educational Progress]] |accessdate= 2007-12-25}}.</ref> The 2008 ''[[Education_Week#Quality Counts|Quality Counts]]'' report ranked Virginia's K-12 education fifth best in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edweek.org/media/ew/qc/2008/QC08PressPacketFINALcompressed.pdf |title= Quality Counts 2008 |work= [http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2008/01/10/index.html Education Week] |date= [[January 9]], [[2008]] |format= PDF |accessdate= 2008-01-09}}</ref> All school divisions must adhere to educational standards set forth by the Virginia Department of Education, which maintains an assessment and accreditation regime known as the [[Standards of Learning]] to ensure accountability.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/src/index.shtml |title= Virginia School Report Card |work= [http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ Virginia Department of Education] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2008-02-02}}</ref> As of 2004, Virginia has a 79.3% graduation rate, which is the twelfth highest in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vaperforms.virginia.gov/i-highSchoolGraduation.php |title= Measuring Virginia's High School Graduation Rate |work= [http://www.vaperforms.virginia.gov/ Virginia Performs] |date= 2005 |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref> There are a total of {{nowrap|1,863 local}} and regional schools in the commonwealth, including three [[charter school]]s, and an additional {{nowrap|104 alternative}} and special education centers in 134 [[List of school divisions in Virginia|school divisions]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Publications/schcnt_07.htm |title= Local and Regional Schools and Centers |work= [http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ Virginia Department of Education] |date= [[November 19]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-30}}</ref> Besides the general public schools in Virginia, there are [[Governor's Schools (Virginia)|Governor's Schools]] and selective [[magnet school]]s. [[Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology]], a public school which requires an application, is ranked as the best public high school in the nation.<ref name=tjtop>{{cite web |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/29/AR2007112902004.html |title= Thomas Jefferson Put at Top of Class |work= [[The Washington Post]] |first= Maria |last= Glod |date= [[November 30]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-30}}</ref> The Governor's Schools are a collection of more than forty regional selective magnet high schools and summer programs intended for gifted students.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/Govschools/ |title= Virginia Governor’s School Program |work= [http://www.doe.virginia.gov/ Virginia Department of Education] |date= [[October 6]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2007-11-30}}</ref> The Virginia Council for Private Education oversees the regulation of [[private school]]s. [[Image:University of Virginia Rotunda.jpg|thumb|The [[University of Virginia]], founded by Thomas Jefferson, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.]] Individual [[List of high schools in Virginia|Virginia public high schools]] are often well rated, with public [[Langley High School]] ranked thirty-seventh best public [[secondary education|high school]] in the nation according to ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'', [[Clarke County High School (Berryville, Virginia)|Clarke County High School]] forty-eighth, and [[H-B Woodlawn]] in [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington]] sixteenth according to ''[[The Washington Post]]'' Challenge Index.<ref name=tjtop/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://projects.washingtonpost.com/challengeindex/2008/ |title= 2008 Challenge Index |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[May 18]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-07-15}}</ref> [[Northern Virginia]] schools also pay the test fees for students to take [[Advanced Placement]] and [[International Baccalaureate]] exams, and the city of [[Alexandria, Virginia|Alexandria]] and [[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington County]] lead the nation in college course tests.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/12/ST2007121201576.html |title= Alexandria, Arlington Schools Lead Nation in AP, IB Testing |first= Jay |last= Mathews |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[December 13]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-13}}</ref> Two of the U.S. top ten public [[List of colleges and universities in Virginia|universities are located in Virginia]], according to the [[College and university rankings#U.S. News & World Report College and University rankings|''U.S. News and World Report'' annual college rankings]]. The [[University of Virginia]], founded by [[Thomas Jefferson]], is ranked #2, and the [[College of William and Mary]], the second-oldest college in America, is ranked #6.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/natudoc_pub_brief.php |title= Top Public National Universities |work= [[U.S. News and World Report]] |date= 2008 |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> [[James Madison University]] has been the number one public master's level university in [[Southern United States|The South]] since 1993.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.jmu.edu/jmuweb/general/news/general8824.shtml |title= JMU Holds Top Public Regional Rank for 14th Year in 'U.S. News' Survey |work= Public Affairs |publisher= [[James Madison University]] |date= [[August 17]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-11}}</ref> Virginia is also home to the [[Virginia Military Institute]], the oldest state [[military academy|military college]] in the U.S. and a top public liberal arts college.<ref>{{cite web |work= America's Best Colleges 2007 |title= Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges |publisher= [[U.S. News and World Report]] |url= http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/libartco_pub_brief.php |date= 2007 |accessdate = 2007-07-30}}</ref> [[Virginia Commonwealth University]] is the largest university in Virginia with over {{nowrap|30,000 students}}, followed closely by [[George Mason University]].<ref>{{cite web| title = 2006-2007 Fall Headcount Enrollment |date= 2007 |publisher = State Council of Higher Education for Virginia | url = http://research.schev.edu/enrollment/E2_Report.asp | accessdate = 2007-07-30}}</ref> [[Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University|Virginia Tech]] and [[Virginia State University]] are the [[land-grant university|land-grant universities]] of the state. The state also operates twenty-three [[community college]]s on forty campuses serving over {{nowrap|240,000 students}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vccs.edu/WhoWeAre/FastFacts/tabid/79/Default.aspx |title= Fast Facts |work= [http://www.vccs.edu/ Virginia’s Community Colleges] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-30}}</ref> ==Health== [[Image:StMarysHospitalRichmond crop.jpg|thumb|Bon Secours [[St. Mary's Hospital (Richmond)|St. Mary's Hospital]] in Richmond]] Unlike her nation-leading education system, Virginia has a mixed health record. Virginia falls twenty-third highest among United States in both percentage of residents who exercise, seventy-eight percent, and in the rate of pre-mature deaths, 855.6 per 100,000.<ref>{{cite web | title = Statemaster Health Statistics Physical Exercise by State | publisher = Statemaster | date = 2002 | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_phy_exe-health-physical-exercise | accessdate = 2008-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Statemaster Health Statistics Death Rate per 100,000| publisher = Statemaster | url = http://www.statemaster.com/graph/hea_dea_rat_per_100-death-rate-per-100-000 |date= 2002 |accessdate = 2008-02-06}}</ref> Though Virginia is ranked as the twenty-first overall healthiest state, it has the fifth highest immunization coverage in the nation according to the United Health Foundation's Health Rankings 2006.<ref>{{cite web | title = America's Health Rankings 2006 | publisher = United Health Foundation | date = 2006 | url = http://www.unitedhealthfoundation.org/ahr2006/survey2006.asp | accessdate = 2008-02-06}}</ref> As of 2002, Virginia had a 23.7% obesity rate in adults, and thirty percent of Virginia's ten to seventeen year olds were overweight or obese, which is the twenty-fifth lowest percentage in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vaperforms.virginia.gov/i-obesity.php |title= Measuring Virginia's Obesity Rates |work= [http://www.vaperforms.virginia.gov/ Virginia Performs] |date= 2005 |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref> As of 2005, 86.4% of Virginians have [[health insurance]].<ref>{{cite web| authorlink = ask.census.gov| title = The Percentage of People Without Health Insurance Coverage by State Using 2- and 3-year Averages: 2003 to 2005| work = Health Insurance Coverage: 2005| publisher = U.S. Census Bureau, Housing and Household Economic Statistics Division| date = [[2006-08-29]] | url = http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/hlthin05/hi05t10.pdf| format = PDF | accessdate = 2008-02-06}}</ref> There are eighty-six [[List of hospitals in Virginia|hospitals in Virginia]] listed with the [[United States Department of Health and Human Services]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/Hospital/Search/SelectHospitals.asp?Type=State&State=VA0%7CVirginia |title= Hospital Compare |publisher= [[United States Department of Health and Human Services]] |date= [[April 7]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Notable examples include [[Inova Fairfax Hospital]], the largest hospital in the [[Washington Metropolitan Area]], and the [[Medical College of Virginia]] (MCV), the medical school of [[Virginia Commonwealth University]], which is home to the nation's oldest organ transplant program. The University of Virginia Medical Center, part of the [[University of Virginia Health System]], which according to ''[[U.S.News & World Report]]'' has the eighth ranked [[endocrinology]] specialty in the nation, and the best in the South.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/directory/hospital.php?id=6344000 |title= University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville |work= [http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/best-hospitals/ Best Hospitals] |publisher= [[U.S.News & World Report]] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref> [[Sentara Norfolk General Hospital]], part of the [[Hampton Roads]] based [[Sentara Health System]], is also nationally ranked, and was the site of the first successful [[in-vitro fertilization]] birth.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/directory/hospital.php?id=6340620 |title= Sentara Norfolk General Hospital-Sentara Heart Hospital, Norfolk, Va. |work= [http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/best-hospitals/ Best Hospitals] |publisher= [[U.S.News & World Report]] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-05-12-testtube-baby-usat_x.htm |title= America's first 'test-tube baby' |first= Liz |last= Szabo |work= [[USA Today]] |date= [[May 12]], [[2004]] |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref> ==Transportation== {{main|Transportation in Virginia}} [[Image:PA300043.JPG|thumb|Virginia is home to many [[shortline]] railroads such as the [[Buckingham Branch Railroad]].]] As of 2007, the Virginia state government owns and operates 84.6% of roads in the state, instead of the local city or county authority.<ref name=rural>{{cite web |url= http://www.ruraltransportation.org/library/va.shtml |title= Resource Library: Virginia |work= [http://www.ruraltransportation.org/ Rural Transportation] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-11-29}}</ref> {{convert|57884|mi|km}} of the total {{convert|68429|mi|km}} are run by the [[Virginia Department of Transportation]], making it the third largest state highway system in the United States.<ref name=vdot>{{cite web |url= http://www.virginiadot.org/about/ |title= About VDOT |work= [http://www.virginiadot.org/ Virginia Department of Transportation] |date= [[July 10]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-11-22}}</ref> Virginia's road system is ranked as the eighteenth best in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.reason.org/news/transportation_16th_annual_road_performance_062807.shtml |title= Report: Road Condition Improves But Traffic Congestion, Highway Fatalities Rise |publisher= Reason Foundation |date= [[June 28]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-03-29}}</ref> While the Washington Metropolitan Area has the second worst traffic in the nation, Virginia as a whole has the twenty-first lowest congestion.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/18/AR2007091800777.html |title= A Ranking Writ In Brake Lights: D.C. 2nd in Traffic |first= Jonathan |last= Mummolo |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[September 19]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-03-29}}</ref> With low disbursements for both roads and bridges, and a low road fatality rate, Virginia has a good system with a tight budget.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.reason.org/ps360.pdf |title= 16th Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway Systems (1984–2005) |date= June 2007 |first= David T. |last= Hartgen |coauthors= Ravi K. Karanam and Adrian T. Moore |publisher= [[Reason Foundation]] |format= PDF |accessdate= 2008-03-29}}</ref> The average commute time is 22.2&nbsp;minutes.<ref name=quick/> Virginia has five major airports: [[Washington Dulles International Airport|Washington Dulles International]], [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport|Washington Reagan National]], [[Richmond International Airport|Richmond International]], [[Norfolk International Airport|Norfolk International]] and [[Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.doav.virginia.gov/airports.htm |title= Airports |work= [http://www.doav.virginia.gov/ Virginia Department of Aviation] |date= 2006 |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Seventy-one airports serve the state's aviation needs.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flyvirginia.com/ |title= Airports in Virginia| work= FlyVirginia.com | date= 2008| accessdate= 2008-02-19}}</ref> Virginia has [[Amtrak]] passenger rail service along several corridors, and [[Virginia Railway Express]] maintains two commuter lines into Washington, D.C. from [[Fredericksburg, Virginia|Fredericksburg]] and [[Manassas, Virginia|Manassas]]. The [[Washington Metro]] rapid transit system currently serves Northern Virginia as far west as Fairfax County, although [[Silver Line (Washington Metro)|expansion plans]] call for Metro to reach Dulles Airport in Loudoun County by 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dullesmetro.com/about/timeline.cfm |title= Timeline |work= [http://www.dullesmetro.com/ Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project] |date= 2007 |accessdate= 2007-12-08}}</ref> The Virginia Department of Transportation operates several free ferries throughout Virginia, the most notable being the Jamestown-Scotland ferry which crosses the James River in [[Surry County, Virginia|Surry County]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry.asp |title= Ferry Information |work= [[Virginia Department of Transportation]] |date= [[December 4]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-02-14}}</ref> ==Law and government== {{main|Government of Virginia}} [[Image:Virginia State Capitol.jpg|thumb|The [[Virginia State Capitol]] building, designed by [[Thomas Jefferson]] and begun by Governor [[Patrick Henry]] in 1785, recently underwent massive renovations.]] In colonial Virginia, free men elected the lower house of the legislature, called the [[House of Burgesses]], which together with the Governor's Council, made the "General Assembly." Founded in 1619, the [[Virginia General Assembly]] is still in existence as the oldest legislature in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name=burgesses>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/06/AR2006050601099_pf.html |title= Latest Budget Standoff Met With Shrugs |first= Rosalind S. |last= Helderman |coauthors= Chris L. Jenkins |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[May 7]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> The modern government is ranked with an "A-", the highest grade in the nation, by the [[Pew Research Center|Pew Center on the States]], an honor it shares with two others.<ref name=pew>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/03/03/ST2008030303550.html |title= Government Takes Top Honors in Efficiency |first= Sandhya |last= Somashekhar |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[March 4]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-03-11}}</ref> Virginia functions under the 1971 [[Constitution of Virginia]], the commonwealth's seventh [[constitution]], which provides for fewer elected officials than the previous constitution, with a strong legislature and a unified judicial system. Similar to the [[federal government of the United States|federal structure]], the government is divided in [[Separation of powers|three branches]]: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch is the [[Virginia General Assembly|General Assembly]], a [[bicameral]] body whose {{nowrap|140 members}} write the laws for the commonwealth. It is stronger than the executive, as incumbent [[List of Virginia Governors|governors]] cannot run for re-election, and the General Assembly selects judges and justices.<ref name=constitution>{{cite journal |title= Commentaries on the Constitution of Virginia by A. E. Dick Howard |first= Albert L. |last= Strum |journal= The American Political Science Review |volume= 71 |issue= 2 |month= June |year= 1977 |pages= 714–715 |accessdate= 2007-12-08 |url= http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-0554%28197706%2971%3A2%3C714%3ACOTCOV%3E2.0.CO%3B2-P}}</ref> The current governor is [[Tim Kaine]]. Other members of the executive branch include the [[Lieutenant Governor of Virginia|Lieutenant Governor]] and the [[Attorney General of Virginia|Attorney General]]. The judicial branch consists of the [[Supreme Court of Virginia]], the [[Court of Appeals of Virginia]], the [[General District Court]]s and the [[Circuit Court]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/courts.html |title= Virginia Courts |work= [http://www.courts.state.va.us/ Virginia Judicial System] |date= 2008 |accessdate= 2008-03-04}}</ref> The [[Code of Virginia]] is the [[statutory law]], and consists of the codified legislation of the General Assembly. The [[Virginia State Police]] is the largest [[List of law enforcement agencies in Virginia|law enforcement agency in Virginia]]. The [[Virginia Capitol Police]] are the oldest police department in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news/community/richmond.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-17-0093.html |title= New assistant chief named at Virginia Capitol Police |date= [[November 17]], [[2007]] |first= Pamela |last= Stallsmith |work= [http://www.inrich.com/ inRich.com] |accessdate= 2008-02-02}}</ref> The [[Virginia National Guard]] consists of {{nowrap|7,500 soldiers}} in the [[Virginia Army National Guard]] and {{nowrap|1,200 airmen}} in the [[Virginia Air National Guard]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://vko.va.ngb.army.mil/VirginiaGuard/history/overview.html |title= Serving Commonwealth and Country |first= John W. |last= Listman, Jr. |coauthors= Lt. Col. Chester C. Carter, III |publisher= [[Virginia Army National Guard]] |date= [[August 20]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-02-11}}</ref> In 2004, Virginia had the fifteenth lowest rate of violent crime per capita in the United States, but also had the fifth most race related hate crimes.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.statemaster.com/red/state/VA-virginia/cri-crime&b_cite=1 |title= Virginian Crime States |work= [http://www.statemaster.com/ StateMaster] |date= 2004 |accessdate= 2008-03-28}}</ref> The "total crime risk" is twenty-nine percent lower than the national average.<ref name=quick>{{cite web |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/local-explorer/quick-facts?search=VA |title= Quick Facts for Virginia |work= LocalExplorer |publisher= [[The Washington Post]] |date= 2006 |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Since the 1982 resumption of [[capital punishment in Virginia]], 101 people have been executed, second most in the nation.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/10/AR2008071001343.html |title= Virginia Executes Convicted Killer |first= Karin |last= Brulliard |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[July 11]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-07-11}}</ref> ==Politics== {{main|Politics of Virginia}} [[Image:Kaine Warner.png|thumb|Governor [[Tim Kaine]] with U.S. Senator [[John Warner]] and former Senator and Governor [[George Allen (U.S. politician)|George Allen]], and current Representative [[Thelma Drake]]]] Virginia's politics in the last century reflects a shift from a largely rural, [[Politics of the Southern United States|politically Southern]] and [[Conservatism|conservative]] racially divided [[single-party state]] to a more urbanized, pluralistic political environment.<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5001263885 |title= "Sheep without a Shepherd": The New Deal Faction in the Virginia Democratic Party |first= James R. |last= Sweeney |journal= Presidential Studies Quarterly |volume= 29 |year= 1999 |accessdate= 2008-03-31 |doi= 10.1111/1741-5705.00043 |pages= 438}}</ref> African Americans were effectively [[disfranchisement|disfranchised]] until after passage of civil rights legislation in the mid-1960s, which was one of the catalysts for their early 20th century [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] to northern cities.<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-2992%28199722%2982%3A3%3C312%3APAPWCV%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0 |title= Promise and prejudice: Wise County, Virginia and the Great Migration, 1910-1920 |first= Michael H. |last= Burchett |journal= he Journal of Negro History |volume= 82 |issue= 3 |month= Summer |year= 1997 |pages= 312 |accessdate= 2008-03-31 |doi= 10.2307/2717675}}</ref> Enfranchisement and immigration of other groups, especially Hispanics, have placed growing importance on minority voting.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://hamptonroads.com/node/172411 |title= Webb, Allen court Hispanic, white-collar voters in N. Va. |date= [[October 25]], [[2006]] |first= Dale |last= Eisman |work= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] |accessdate= 2008-03-29}}</ref> [[Centrism|Politically moderate]] urban and growing suburban areas, including [[Northern Virginia]], are the Democratic base.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2007/12/10/ST2007121001571.html |title= Tensions Could Hurt Majority in Va. Senate |first= Tim |last= Craig |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[December 11]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-23}}</ref> Rural Virginia moved to support the Republican Party in response to their "[[southern strategy]]."<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0003-0554(200305)97%3A2%3C245%3AAAPRIT%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Y |title= Activists and Partisan Realignment in the United States |first= Gary |last= Miller |coauthors= Norman Schofield |journal= The American Political Science Review |volume= 97 |issue= 2 |month= May |year= 2003 |pages= 245–260 |accessdate= 2007-12-23}}</ref> Portions of [[Southwest Virginia]] influenced by unionized [[coal mine]]s, college towns such as [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]] and [[Blacksburg, Virginia|Blacksburg]], and southeastern counties in the [[Black Belt Region]] have remained more likely to vote Democratic.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://projects.washingtonpost.com/elections/keyraces/56/state-profile/ |title= State Political Profile: Virginia |work= [[The Washington Post]] |author= [[Associated Press]] |date= 2006 |accessdate= 2007-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url= http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0021-9347%28200007%2930%3A6%3C744%3AAALPIV%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0 |title= African American Legislative Politics in Virginia |first= Michael L. |last= Clemons |coauthors= Charles E. Jones |journal= [[Journal of Black Studies]] |volume= 30 |issue= 6, Special Issue: African American State Legislative Politics |month= July |year= 2000 |pages= 744–767 |accessdate= 2008-02-02}}</ref> While Virginia's Governor is a [[Democratic Party of Virginia|Democrat]], the Lieutenant Governor is a [[Republican Party of Virginia|Republican]], and Republican [[Robert McDonnell]] became Attorney General by {{nowrap|360 votes}} following a legally mandated recount of ballots for that race in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/21/AR2005122101889.html |title= McDonnell Clinches Attorney General Race |first= Carol |last= Morello |work= [[Washington Post]] |date= [[December 22]], [[2005]] |accessdate= 2007-12-03}}</ref> In the [[2004 U.S. Presidential election]], [[Fairfax County]] in [[Northern Virginia]] voted for the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] for the first time in forty years.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23613-2004Nov3.html |title= Fairfax No Longer a GOP Given |first= Lisa |last= Rein |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[November 4]], [[2004]] |accessdate= 2007-12-23}}</ref> In the [[Virginia state elections, 2007|2007 state elections]], the Democrats regained control of the [[Senate of Virginia|State Senate]], and narrowed the Republican majority in the [[Virginia House of Delegates|House of Delegates]] to eight votes.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/07/AR2007110700553_2.html |title= Kaine Hails 'Balance' in New Political Landscape |first= Tim |last= Craig |coauthors= Anita Kumar |date= [[November 8]], [[2007]] |work= [[The Washington Post]] |accessdate= 2007-11-07}}</ref> Though the state has voted for the Republican candidate in each presidential election since 1968, Virginia is now classified as a "[[swing state]]" for future presidential elections.<ref name=purple>{{cite news |url= http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/10/12/the_purpling_of_america.html |title= Painting America Purple |first= Dan |last= Balz |date= [[October 12]], [[2007]] |work= [[The Washington Post]] |accessdate= 2007-11-24}}</ref> The election of Democrat [[Jim Webb]] as one of Virginia's two U.S. Senators in the [[Virginia United States Senate election, 2006|2006 Virginia Senate election]] may have demonstrated disaffection with the incumbent administration's performance.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-11-26-election-lessons_x.htm |title= Election '06: Lessons learned by dissecting votes |first= Susan |last= Page |work= [[USA Today]] |date= [[November 26]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2007-12-12}}</ref> [[John Warner]], a Republican, has long held Virginia's other seat in the [[U.S. Senate]], but he has announced his intention not to seek reelection in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083100986.html |title= Va. Sen. John Warner Announces Upcoming Retirement |first= Bill |last= Turque |work= [[The Washington Post]] |date= [[September 2]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-20}}</ref> Both of Virginia's Senators are former [[United States Secretary of the Navy|Secretaries of the Navy]]. Of the state's [[List of United States Representatives from Virginia|eleven seats]] in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], Republicans hold eight and Democrats hold three. {{clear}} ==Sports== {{seealso|List of professional sports teams in Virginia}} [[Image:Glennon Hands off to Ore 2007 ECU crop.jpg|thumb|The [[Virginia Tech Hokies football]] team has the fourth longest bowl game streak in the country.]] Virginia is by far the most populous U.S. state without a [[Major North American professional sports leagues|major professional sports league]] franchise.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.facilityplanners.com/news/pdf/Professional%20Sports%20in%20Hampton%20Roads.pdf |format= PDF |title= Region Works to Attract Franchise Area Makes “Short List” for Existing Team’s Move |date= [[July 19]], [[2001]] |first= Harry |last= Minium |work= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] |accessdate= 2007-12-09}}</ref> The reasons for this include the lack of any dominant city or market within the state and the proximity of [[Sports in Washington, D.C.|teams in Washington, D.C.]] which has franchises in all four major sports. Virginia is home to many minor league clubs, especially in [[baseball]] and [[Football (soccer)|soccer]], and the [[Washington Redskins]] have Redskins Park, their headquarters and training facility, in [[Ashburn, Virginia]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://hamptonroads.com/2008/01/beach-officials-hope-lure-redskins%E2%80%99-training-camp-sportsplex |title= Beach officials hope to lure Redskins’ training camp to Sportsplex |work= [[The Virginian-Pilot]] |first= Deirdre |last= Fernandes |date= [[January 4]], [[2008]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Virginia has many professional caliber [[golf course]]s including the [[Greg Norman]] course at Lansdowne Resort and Upper Cascades, Kingsmill Resort, home of the [[Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill|Michelob ULTRA Open]]. The [[Washington Nationals]] and [[Baltimore Orioles]] also have followings due to their proximity to the state, and both are broadcast in the state on [[MASN]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://masnsports.com/2007/09/find-masn.html |title= Find MASN on your TV |date= [[September 7]], [[2007]] |work= [[MASN]] |accessdate= 2007-12-11}}</ref> When the [[New York Mets]] ended their long affiliation with the [[Norfolk Tides]] in 2007, the Orioles adopted the minor league club.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/business-of-baseball-report120/ |title= Business of Baseball Report |first= Brian |last= Borawski |work= [http://www.oobleck.com/orioles/ The Orioles Warehouse] |date= [[September 27]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Other regional teams include the [[Cincinnati Reds]] and the [[Atlanta Braves]], whose top farm team, the [[Richmond Braves]], is located in the capital. Virginia is home to two [[NASCAR]] tracks currently on the [[Sprint Cup]] schedule, [[Martinsville Speedway]] and [[Richmond International Raceway]]. Norfolk born [[Rex White]] won the NASCAR Grand National in 1962 and 1963. Current Virginia drivers in the series include brothers [[Jeff Burton]] and [[Ward Burton]], [[Ricky Rudd]], [[Denny Hamlin]], and [[Elliot Sadler]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?featureid=201 |title= NASCAR in Virginia |work= [http://www.virginia.org/ Virginia is for Lovers] |date= [[September 6]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2007-12-11}}</ref> Former Cup tracks include [[South Boston Speedway]], [[Langley Speedway (Virginia)|Langley Speedway]], [[Southside Speedway]], and [[Old Dominion Speedway]]. Virginia does not allow state appropriated funds to be used for either operational or capital expenses for intercollegiate athletics.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.virginia.edu/topnews/releases2001/athletics-april-6-2001.html |title= Athletics Task Force Report Recommends Restructuring Of Sports Program, Finances, Academic Support |date= [[April 6]], [[2001]] |work= [[University of Virginia]] |accessdate= 2007-12-09}}</ref> Despite this, both the [[University of Virginia]] [[Virginia Cavaliers|Cavaliers]] and [[Virginia Tech]] [[Virginia Tech Hokies|Hokies]] have been able to field competitive teams in the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] and maintain modern facilities. The [[Virginia-Virginia Tech rivalry]] is followed statewide. Virginia has several other universities that compete in [[Division I]] of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]], particularly in the [[Colonial Athletic Association]]. Three [[historically black colleges and universities|historically black schools]] compete in the Division II [[Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association]], and two others compete in Division I [[MEAC]]. Several smaller schools compete in the [[Old Dominion Athletic Conference]] and the [[USA South Athletic Conference]] of NCAA Division III. The NCAA currently holds its [[Division III]] [[NCAA Division III national football championship|championships in football]], men's basketball, volleyball and softball in [[Salem, Virginia|Salem]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2006-12-13-focus-salem_x.htm |title= Virginia town is big game central |first= Erik |last= Brady |work= [[USA Today]] |date= [[December 14]], [[2006]] |accessdate= 2008-02-06}}</ref> {{clear}} ==State symbols== {{main|List of Virginia state symbols}} [[Image:Welcometovasign.JPG|thumb|The Virginia welcome sign on [[State Route 32 (Virginia)|State Route 32]] employs the state bird, the [[Northern Cardinal|cardinal]], and the state tree and flower, the [[dogwood]].]] The state nickname is the oldest symbol, though it has never been made official by law. Virginia was given the title, "[[Dominion]]", by King [[Charles II of England]] at the time of [[The Restoration]], because it had remained loyal to the crown during the [[English Civil War]], and the present moniker, "Old Dominion" is a reference to that title.<ref>{{cite book |last=De Vere|first=Maximilian S. |title=Americanisms; the English of the New world|publisher=C. Scribner & Co.|date=1872|pages=256|id=OCLC 318971}}</ref> The other nickname, "Mother of Presidents," is also historic, as eight Virginians have served as [[President of the United States]], including four of the first five: [[George Washington]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[James Madison]], [[James Monroe]], [[William Henry Harrison]], [[John Tyler]], [[Zachary Taylor]], and [[Woodrow Wilson]]. Additionally, Virginian [[Sam Houston]] served as president of the [[Republic of Texas]]. Virginia is the only state to have the same plant for state flower and state tree.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/statetreeflower.html |title=State Trees & State Flowers |publisher=[[United States National Arboretum]] |date=[[March 5]], [[2006]] |accessdate=2008-03-05 }}</ref> The majority of the symbols were made official in the late 20th century, though the state motto and seal have been official since Virginia declared its independence.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://legis.state.va.us/1_cap_class/9-12/9_12_emb_symb.html |title= Capitol Classroom |work= [[Virginia General Assembly]] |date= [[December 13]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> Virginia currently has no [[List of U.S. state songs|state song]], as the now state song emeritus, "[[Carry Me Back to Old Virginny]]", was retired in 1997.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.vahistorical.org/ov/cmb.htm |title= Carry Me Back to Old Virginny |work= Virginia Historical Society |date= [[January 11]], [[2007]] |accessdate= 2008-04-12}}</ref> {|border="0" align=center |- |valign="top"| * Bat: [[Corynorhinus|Virginia Big-Eared Bat]] * [[List of U.S. state beverages|Beverage]]: [[milk]] * [[List of U.S. state ships|Boat]]: [[Chesapeake Bay deadrise]] * [[List of U.S. state birds|Bird]]: [[Northern Cardinal|Cardinal]] * [[List of U.S. state dances|Dance]]: [[Virginia reel (dance)|Virginia reel]] |valign="top"| * [[List of U.S. state mammals|Dog]]: [[American Foxhound]] * [[List of U.S. state fish|Fish]]: [[Brook trout]] * [[Floral emblem|Flower]]/[[List of U.S. state trees|Tree]]: [[Cornus florida|Dogwood]] * [[List of U.S. state fossils|Fossil]]: [[Chesapecten jeffersonius]] * [[List of U.S. state insects|Insect]]: [[Eastern Tiger Swallowtail|Tiger swallowtail]] |valign="top"| * [[List of U.S. state mottos|Motto]]: "[[Sic semper tyrannis]]" * [[List of U.S. state nicknames|Nickname]]: The Old Dominion * [[List of U.S. state shells|Shell]]: [[Eastern oyster]] * [[List of U.S. state slogans|Slogan]]: ''[[Virginia is for Lovers]]'' * [[List of U.S. state tartans|Tartan]]: Virginia Quadricentennial Tartan |} {{clear}} ==See also== *[[List of Virginia-related topics]] {{portal|Virginia|Flag of Virginia.svg|left=yes}} {{clear}} <!-- Please place links to all topics directly related to the [[Commonwealth of Virginia]] in the [[List of Virginia-related topics]] --> ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{sisterlinks}} '''Government''' * [http://www.virginia.gov/ State Government website] * [http://legis.state.va.us/ Virginia General Assembly] * [http://www.courts.state.va.us/ Virginia's Judicial system] * [http://legis.state.va.us/Laws/search/Constitution.htm Constitution of Virginia] '''Tourism and recreation''' * [http://www.virginia.org/ Virginia Tourism Website] * [http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/state_park.shtml Virginia State Parks] * [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/VAmainstreet/ Virginia Main Street Communities Travel] * [http://wikitravel.org/en/Virginia WikiTravel guide] '''Culture and history''' * [http://www.vahistorical.org/ Virginia Historical Society] * [http://virginia.historical-markers.org/ Virginia Historical Markers] * [http://virginiaindians.pwnet.org/index.php Virginia's First People] '''Maps and Demographics''' * [http://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=VA USGS geographic resources of Virginia] * [http://climate.virginia.edu/ Virginia State Climatology Office] * [http://www.ers.usda.gov/statefacts/va.htm Virginia State Fact Sheet] {{Virginia|expand}} {{United States}} {{US South}} {{Confederate2}} {{succession | preceded = [[New Hampshire]] | office = [[List of U.S. states by date of statehood]] | years = Ratified [[Constitution of the United States of America|Constitution]] on [[June 25]], [[1788]] (10th) | succeeded = [[New York]] }} {{coor title d|37.5|N|79|W|region:US-VA_type:state}} [[Category:1607 establishments]] [[Category:1788 establishments]] [[Category:Confederate states (1861-1865)]] [[Category:Southern United States]] [[Category:Former British colonies]] [[Category:Virginia|*]] [[Category:States of the United States]] [[af:Virginië]] [[ang:Virginia]] [[ar:فيرجينيا]] [[frp:Virginia]] [[az:Virciniya]] [[bn:ভার্জিনিয়া]] [[zh-min-nan:Virginia]] [[be-x-old:Вірджынія]] [[bs:Virginia]] [[br:Virginia]] [[bg:Вирджиния]] [[ca:Virgínia]] [[cv:Вирджини]] [[cs:Virginie]] [[cy:Virginia]] [[da:Virginia]] [[de:Virginia]] [[et:Virginia]] [[es:Virginia]] [[eo:Virginio]] [[eu:Virginia]] [[fa:ویرجینیا]] [[fo:Virginia]] [[fr:Virginie]] [[fy:Firginia]] [[ga:Virginia]] [[gd:Virginia]] [[gl:Virxinia - Virginia]] [[ko:버지니아 주]] [[hy:Վիրջինիա]] [[hr:Virginia]] [[io:Virginia]] [[bpy:ভার্জিনিয়া]] [[id:Virginia]] [[ik:Virginia]] [[os:Вирджини]] [[is:Virginía (fylki)]] [[it:Virginia]] [[he:וירג'יניה]] [[pam:Virginia]] [[kn:ವರ್ಜೀನಿಯ]] [[ka:ვირჯინია]] [[ks:वर्जिनिया]] [[kw:Virjynni]] [[sw:Virginia]] [[ht:Vijini]] [[ku:Virginia]] [[lad:Virginia]] [[la:Virginia]] [[lv:Virdžīnija]] [[lt:Virdžinija]] [[lij:Virginn-ia]] [[hu:Virginia]] [[mk:Вирџинија]] [[ml:വിര്‍ജീനിയ]] [[mi:Virginia]] [[mr:व्हर्जिनिया]] [[ms:Virginia]] [[nl:Virginia (staat)]] [[ja:バージニア州]] [[no:Virginia]] [[nn:Virginia]] [[oc:Virgínia]] [[uz:Virjiniya]] [[pms:Virginia]] [[nds:Virginia]] [[pl:Wirginia]] [[pt:Virgínia]] [[ro:Virginia (stat SUA)]] [[ru:Вирджиния]] [[sa:वर्जिनिया]] [[sq:Virginia]] [[scn:Virginia]] [[simple:Virginia]] [[sk:Virgínia]] [[sl:Virginija]] [[sr:Вирџинија]] [[sh:Virginia]] [[fi:Virginia]] [[sv:Virginia]] [[tl:Virginia (estado)]] [[ta:வர்ஜீனியா]] [[te:వర్జీనియా]] [[th:มลรัฐเวอร์จิเนีย]] [[vi:Virginia]] [[tr:Virjinya]] [[uk:Вірджинія]] [[ur:ورجینیا]] [[vo:Virginia]] [[yi:ווירזשיניע]] [[diq:Virginia]] [[bat-smg:Virdžinėjė]] [[zh:弗吉尼亚州]]