Fun Facts About Virginia

You might know that Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies, and you might even know that its nickname is Old Dominion. However, there are certainly some interesting facts about Virginia that you don’t know. Learn more about one of the most influential states in the country with these fun facts about Virginia.

Home of the First Thanksgiving

Although most of us are taught in elementary school that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Virginia can actually lay claim to the first true Thanksgiving. The event was held at the Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619, which was two years before the Thanksgiving celebration at Plymouth. However, this original Thanksgiving was more of a day of prayer and not a day of feast like we associate with the contemporary holiday.

Birthplace of Presidents

In addition to Old Dominion, Virginia is also nicknamed the Mother of Presidents because so many United States presidents were born in the state. In fact, Virginia is the birthplace of eight presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. Plus, it’s not just numerous presidents that once called Virginia home. The state is also the birthplace of six first ladies.

Crucial in Two Wars

Virginia has witnessed some monumental events during this country’s history, and the state played a key role in two defining wars. It witnessed the birth of a nation when British General Cornwallis surrendered in Yorktown and officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Virginia also witnessed the rebirth of a nation when General Robert E. Lee of the Confederate States surrendered in Appomattox and ended the Civil War. Additionally, out of the approximately 4,000 battles fought during the Civil War, around 2,200 were waged in Virginia.

Home to One of the Largest Bridge-Tunnel Complexes

The vast Chesapeake Bay separates coastal Virginia from Maryland. For years, the only way to cross the bay was by ferry. However, on April 15, 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel opened and made traveling Virginia’s Eastern Shore much easier. This engineering wonder spans nearly 18 miles and includes 12 miles of trestle bridge, four high-level bridges, two mile-long tunnels, and four artificial islands. When you add everything together, it makes the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel one of the largest bridge-tunnel complexes in the world.

Location of “Dirty Dancing”

If you’re a fan of the movie “Dirty Dancing,” the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, might look familiar to you. That’s because this stately stone hotel was the location of the fictional Kellerman’s Resort in the film. If you want to slip on your dancing shoes and pretend like you’re Baby and Johnny Castle, the lodge hosts a “Dirty Dancing” Themed Weekend that includes scavenger hunts, trivia, dance lessons, dance parties in Mary’s Barn, and plenty of other activities.

From engineering marvels to fascinating history, these fun facts show that Virginia is an amazing state full of interesting stories and exceptional people.

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