State of Virginia
Nicknames: The Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents
Motto(s): “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants)
Date of Statehood: June 25, 1788 (10th state)
State Song: “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny” by James A. Bland
Virginia Flag History
Virginia’s flag was officially adopted in 1861. It features the state seal on a deep blue background. The seal depicts the Roman goddess Virtus, symbolizing virtue, standing triumphantly over the fallen figure of Tyranny. The goddess holds a spear and a sheathed sword, with the state motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis” beneath the scene. The flag’s deep blue field represents the Commonwealth’s commitment to justice and perseverance.
The flag has not undergone significant changes since its adoption, but its symbolism remains a powerful representation of Virginia’s history and values. The imagery of Virtus defeating Tyranny reflects the state’s pride in its role in the fight for independence and its ongoing commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice.
Virginia’s flag is a testament to its rich history and the enduring strength and spirit of its people.
Virginia Quick Facts
Capital City: Richmond
Abbreviation: VA
Population: Approximately 8.5 million
Region: South Atlantic
Origin of State Name: Named after Queen Elizabeth I, the “Virgin Queen”
Sports Teams: No major professional sports teams, but numerous college teams
Bordering States: Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Area Codes: 276, 434, 540, 571, 703, 757, 804
Highest Point: Mount Rogers at 5,729 feet (1,746 meters)
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Geography of Virginia
Area: 42,775 square miles (110,787 square kilometers), 35th largest
Land: 39,490 square miles (102,279 square kilometers), 36th largest
Water: 3,285 square miles (8,508 square kilometers), 32nd largest
Coastline: 112 miles (180 kilometers), 14th longest
Shoreline: Extensive, including the Eastern Shore on the Atlantic Ocean and the shores of the Chesapeake Bay
Largest Cities:
- Virginia Beach
- Norfolk
- Chesapeake
- Richmond
- Newport News
- Alexandria
- Hampton
- Roanoke
- Portsmouth
- Suffolk
- Lynchburg
- Harrisonburg
- Leesburg
- Charlottesville
- Danville
National Parks:
- Shenandoah National Park
- Great Falls Park
- Assateague Island National Seashore
Virginia State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Northern Cardinal
State Animal: American Foxhound
State Amphibian: American Bullfrog
State Butterfly: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
State Fish: Brook Trout
State Flower: American Dogwood
State Horse Breed: Virginia Highlander
State Insect: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
State Mammal: American Foxhound
State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: None designated
State Gemstone: None designated
State Soil: Pamunkey Soil
State Tree: American Dogwood
State Quarter: Released in 2000, featuring the ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, Discovery
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Old Gold and Blue
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Ham
State Fossil: Chesapecten jeffersonius
State Mineral: None designated
State Rock: Nelsonite