6 Cool And Interesting Facts About Virginia
Virginia has had a significant impact on American history. It was the birthplace of Britain’s foreign empire, as well as the birthplace of George Washington, who was a prominent figure in the Confederacy. Here are some interesting facts about Virginia.
1. The Virgin Queen, Queen Elizabeth I, was the inspiration for the name Virginia.
2. The Virginia General Assembly is the New World’s longest continuously operating legislative assembly. It also prevents governors from serving two terms in a row.
3. Because of their small magnitude, earthquakes in Virginia are rarely destructive. In 1897, the state’s greatest earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.9, struck near Blacksburg.
4. In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia was felt by over a third of the United States’ population. Some adjacent Canadian provinces were also jolted by the earthquake. The quake had such an impact that it cracked the Washington Monument.
5. Virginia is ranked second in the United States for total defense spending, behind Texas, Maryland, and Florida, according to the US Department of Defense. With a $49 billion budget, California is at the top of the list.
6. Jamestown, Virginia, was founded in 1607 as the first English colony in what would become the United States. Virginia’s initial capitol was likewise Jamestown. On the banks of the James River, the settlement was founded.
