Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Virginia.
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1
English colonists establish Jamestown — first permanent English settlement in the Americas
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2
First representative assembly in the Americas (House of Burgesses) convenes at Jamestown; first enslaved Africans arrive in Virginia
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3
Virginia capital moved from Jamestown to Williamsburg
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4
Patrick Henry delivers 'Give me liberty or give me death' speech at St. John's Church, Richmond
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5
Thomas Jefferson drafts the Declaration of Independence; Virginia adopts its own constitution
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6
British General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown — effectively ending the American Revolution
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7
University of Virginia founded by Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville
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8
Virginia secedes from the Union; Richmond becomes Confederate capital
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9
General Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox Court House, April 9
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10
Massive Resistance to school desegregation; Virginia's last Confederate monument removed 2020
Historical sites
Places where Virginia's past comes alive.
Colonial Williamsburg
Where: Williamsburg
Admission: Adult: $45.99 USD | Child: $22.99 (ages 6–12)
Monticello
Where: Charlottesville
Admission: Adult: $32 USD | Child: $8 (ages 5–11)
Mount Vernon
Where: Alexandria
Admission: Adult: $28 USD | Child: $15 (ages 6–11)
Jamestown Settlement (Historic Jamestowne)
Where: Williamsburg
Admission: Adult: $18 USD | Child: $9 (ages 6–12)
Yorktown Battlefield
Where: Yorktown
Admission: Adult: $15 USD
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Where: Fredericksburg
Admission: Adult: $15 USD
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Where: Appomattox
Admission: Adult: $10 USD
Virginia State Capitol
Where: Richmond
Admission: Adult: Free
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Where: Manassas
Admission: Adult: $15 USD
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Where: Richmond
Admission: Adult: Free
Museums
Curated collections that tell Virginia's story.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun noon–5:00 PM
Admission: Adult: $10 USD
Edgar Allan Poe Museum
Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: Adult: $8 USD
National Museum of the Civil War Soldier
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission: Adult: $15 USD