Explore this Map of Virginia to know everything you want to know. Learn about the location of this state in the United States of America. Check out its geography, time zones, history, major cities, national parks, trails, flag, capital, and many more.

About Virginia

Virginia is the 10th state of the United States, which was admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Richmond is Virginia’s capital city. Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia.

English and Spanish are the major spoken languages. In the US, Virginia is the 12th most populous state. While “Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents” are its nicknames, “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (which means “Thus Always to Tyrants”) is the State Motto. Learn more about this US state from Facts of Virginia.

Virginia Flag

Virginia’s state flag was first adopted in April 1861 at the beginning of the American Civil War. On March 28, 1912, it was readopted and finally, on February 1, 1950, the flag was standardized. Charles Keck had designed the Virginia Flag. 

The state flag of Virginia has a blue background with the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia at the center. The seal of Virginia features:

• An allegorical female figure of “virtue” that is standing. 
• This female figure has put a foot on the chest of a fallen king. This symbolizes that virtue has defeated tyranny. 
• The female figure has an exposed breast. It is a similar depiction of the courageous and independent women Amazonian warriors (who had physical agility and strength in combat skills, horse-riding, and archery that were similar to that of men). It is the only US state flag that shows any form of nudity. 
• Below the fallen king (symbolizing tyranny), the Spanish word “Sic Semper Tyrannis” is written. It means “Thus always to tyrants.”

Learn more about Virginia State Symbols.

Virginia History

The early history of Virginia dates back to around 6500 BCE. At Pocahontas Island, archaeological items were found, corroborating the existence of indigenous Native Americans during those times. In the coastal plains of current Virginia, three main culture groups lived during the 16th century. They were the Algonquians, the Eastern Siouans, and the Iroquoians. The Native American tribes that lived in the Virginia region before the Europeans came to include:

1. Tutelo (in central Virginia)
2. Cherokee (in western Virginia)
3. Powhatan (in eastern Virginia)
4. Catawba (in southern Virginia)

The first Europeans who visited Virginia were Francisco de Silvera and Juan de Villalobos. These two explorers from Spain visited this state back in 1540. On May 13, 1607, the Jamestown settlement was founded. Under Chief Powhatan’s leadership, the Powhatan Confederacy was created by joining various tribes. On April 5, 1614, the chief married off his daughter Pocahontas to an early English settler, John Rolfe after the settlers kidnaped her. 

Tobacco cultivation was the main economic activity of the state at that time. Virginia became Britain’s crown colony in 1624. They shifted the capital city to Williamsburg from Jamestown in 1698. 

Under the Stamp Act of 1765, the British started to collect taxes from the American colonies. This happened especially after Britain won the French and Indian War. That’s when the first spark of the revolution was ignited. Patrick Henry of Virginia famously said: “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

In 1775, the Revolutionary War started. Major battles fought in Virginia are:

• The Battle of Yorktown
• Siege of Petersburg
• Battle of Great Bridge

On June 25, 1788, Virginia attained statehood. It became the tenth state to join the Union. George Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789. He was from Virginia. 

In 1861, the Civil War began. Virginia joined the Confederate States and seceded from the Union. The Civil War ended in 1865 after Robert E. Lee surrendered to the Union Army. The state of Virginia was again admitted to the Union in 1870. Check out Virginia Facts to learn more about the History and Colonization of Virginia.

Virginia Location

Virginia Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of Virginia on the US map. It also shows the boundaries of different states in the US, neighboring countries, and oceans all around. 

The state of Virginia is situated in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic parts of the US. It shares its border with:

• Maryland and Washington DC (in the north and east)
• Atlantic Ocean (in the east)
• North Carolina (in the south)
• Tennessee (in the southwest)
• Kentucky (in the west)
• West Virginia (in the north and west)

The boundary of Virginia with both Washington DC and Maryland extends to the Potomac River’s south shore low water mark. Virginia’s precise location is 36° 32′ N to 39° 28′ N Latitude and 75° 15′ W to 83° 41′ W Longitude. Check the Virginia Longitude and Latitude Map to know more about the location.

Virginia Geography

This state is spread across a total area of 42,775 sq mi (110,787 sq km), out of which 39,490 sq mi (102,279 sq km) is land area and 3,285 sq mi (8,508 sq km) is water area. In terms of area, it is the 35th largest state in the United States. 

The geographical area of Virginia has five predominant landforms:

• Coastal Plain (Tidewater): This landform spreads along the USA’s eastern seaboard. Around 250–500 million years back, a solid rock foundation at the core was formed. The surface is made up of gravel, sand, and eroded clay. Many rivers in Virginia carry around 2/3rd of the thick wedge eastward. 
• Piedmont: The Piedmont landform is situated at the foot of the mountains. A Fall Line separates the Coastal Plain from this terrain of Virginia. The “Fall Line” (including rivers, rapids, and small waterfalls) passes through port cities in the state, such as Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Alexandria. Piedmont is the largest landform in the state. A deeply weathered rock of 20 m covers bedrock in the region. 
• Blue Ridge Mountains: It has a rugged appearance. When seen from a distance, this rounded mountainous range looks blue. Thick forests cover the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll find most of these mountains in northern and central Virginia. The state’s highest elevation point is Mount Rogers (5,729 feet high from sea level), which is situated in the southern Blue Ridge of Virginia. 
• Valley and Ridge: This terrain has narrow, elongated parallel ridges up to 4,000 feet high. It features lush valleys of flat lands. Other features include hot springs, caverns, and caves. 
• Appalachian Plateau: You’ll find the Appalachian Plateau in the southwestern part of Virginia. Out of the five landforms found in the state, this landform is the smallest of them all. Though it looks like a mountain range, it is actually a sedimentary rock whose elevation goes up to 2,000 feet from sea level. Check this Virginia Topographic Map to learn more.

Learn about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of Virginia.

Virginia Counties 

Virginia has 95 counties. Pittsylvania County is the largest county having a total area of 978 sq mi (2,533 sq km). The smallest county in Virginia is Mathews County, whose total area is 86 sq mi (223 sq km). Check out the location and boundaries of different counties in the Virginia County Map.

Virginia Area Codes

The Commonwealth of Virginia has 6 area codes. The area codes are 276, 434, 540, 703 (571), 757, and 804. The Virginia Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code and also shows the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

Virginia Zip Codes Map

There are 1,213 active zip codes in Virginia. Some of the best zip codes to live in are 

22206, 22203, 20190, 22209, 23233, 22180, 22031, 22201, 20165, 20105 and many more. The Virginia Zip Codes Map helps you locate the location of a particular zip code and also shows the zip code boundary, state boundary, and state capital. 

Virginia Major Cities

Virginia cities map helps you learn about the state’s major cities and locations. It also showcases the state capital, state boundary, other cities, neighboring states and oceans, and many more. Some of Virginia’s largest and major cities are Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and many more. Check out the Virginia Map with Cities for more details.

Virginia Airports Map

The busiest airports in Virginia are Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Richmond International Airport, and many more. Check the location of different airports (both public-use and military) in the state on the Virginia Airports Map. This map also shows Virginia’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

Virginia National Park and Trails

Virginia has 22 national parks. Around 20,504,181 visitors visit these national parks annually. Major national parks in the state are Shenandoah National Park, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, Historic Jamestowne National Park, and others.

In Virginia, you can enjoy 2,149 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Some of the most popular ones are Old Rag Mountain Loop, McAfee Knob through the Appalachian Trail, Dark Hollow Falls Trail, etc. 

Check out the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, and more details in the National Parks in Virginia Map.

Virginia Climate 

In most places of Virginia, the climate remains mild and equable. However, temperature among regions varies on the basis of three factors, and they are proximity to:

• The Atlantic Ocean and
• The Chesapeake Bay

The average temperature during January remains around 40 °F (4 °C) on the Eastern Shore as well as in southeastern Virginia. During July, the average temperature hovers around the upper 70s °F (around 26 °C). Virginia’s growing season spans over eight months. In the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, you’ll find continental weather. That’s why you’ll get a colder winter season in these parts of the state. 

The temperature in the mountain areas usually remains below 90 °F (32 °C) during the daytime and 0 °F (−18 °C) during nighttime. Virginia receives an average precipitation of around 32-44 inches (810-to-1,120 mm). The amount of snowfall varies due to elevation. While the mountains receive around 30 inches (760 mm) of snowfall in mountain areas, southeast Virginia receives just a few inches of snowfall.

Virginia Time Zones

The time zone of most of Virginia is UTC-05:00 (Eastern). Virginia’s Summer (DST) time zone is UTC-04:00 (EDT).

FAQs on Virginia

FAQ #1: What is The Time Zone for Virginia?

Ans: UTC-05:00 (Eastern) is the time zone of Virginia.

FAQ #2: Where Is Virginia?

Ans: Virginia is located in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic parts of the USA. 

FAQ #3: Who Is The Governor Of Virginia?

Ans: The current Governor Of Virginia is Glenn Youngkin from the Republican Party. He is the 74th governor of Virginia and assumed office on January 15, 2022.

FAQ #4: What Is The Capital Of Virginia?

Ans: Richmond is the capital of Virginia.

FAQ #5: What Is Virginia Known For?

Ans: Virginia is known for the Presidential homes, the Appalachian Trail, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Wild Ponies, Dirty Dancing, the Arlington National Cemetery, the Brunswick Stew, Shenandoah National Park, and many more. 

FAQ #6: What To Do In Virginia Beach?

Ans: In Virginia Beach, you can visit popular attractions like Cape Henry LightHouse, Virginia Beach Aquarium, Boardwalk, Atlantic Fun Park, Rudee Inlet, and others. You can surf, enjoy bike trails on the beach, and relax on your favorite beach in Virginia Beach. 

FAQ #7: Does It Snow In Virginia?

Ans: Yes, it snows in almost every part of Virginia. While the mountains receive around 30 inches (760 mm) of snowfall, southeast Virginia receives just a few inches of snowfall.

FAQ #8: Is Virginia a Red or Blue State?

Ans: Virginia is currently considered a Blue state. During the US Presidential election, Democrats have been winning this state since 2008. However, from 1980 to 2004, the Republicans won the US Presidential election in the state.

FAQ #9: How Many People Live In Virginia?

Ans: Virginia’s current population is 8,626,210 in 2022. 

FAQ #10: What Planting Zone Is Virginia?

Ans:  The planting zone of Virginia ranges from 5a to 8a.