Where Is Virginia? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Virginia is home to many famous sites like the Arlington National Cemetery, the homes of various presidents, the Appalachian Trail, and two of the country’s most historical cities Fredericksburg and Richmond, which is the state’s capital.

It is said that Virginia is for lovers, and it’s quite true. The Southern hospitality and friendliness of Virginians is unique to the country. The state is also deep-rooted in American history and is one of the first states admitted to the union after the Revolutionary War.

Located on the southeastern seaboard, most people know about Virginia and the historical cities in the state, especially Richmond and Fredericksburg. But the real question is, do people know where Virginia is? Do people know about the states around Virginia? 

If you are wondering where Virginia is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Virginia’s bordering states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Virginia, and other facts about the Old Dominion.

Where Is Virginia Located on the Map?

Virginia is located in the Southeastern part of the United States. With an area of 42,774 square miles, it is the 35th largest state in terms of size. But where is Virginia on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Virginia Officially Join the US?

Historians believe Virginia was inhabited by people around 18,000 years ago. Some Native American tribes that lived in the state before European settlers arrived were the Cherokee, Powhatan, Croatoan, and Tuscarora. Jamestown was the first English colony founded in the US and thus an influx of people increased the population in the future state.

In 1775, tired and angry at being taxed by the English without representation in Parliament, Virginia joined forces with the other 12 colonies. Thomas Jefferson, who was a Virginian, wrote the Declaration of Independence, which formally claimed their independence from Britain.

After the American Revolution, Virginia became the 10th state in the union on June 25, 1788. But in 1861, Virginia seceded from the US and formed a new country with other southern states. Once the Civil War ended, the state rejoined the US.

Which States Border Virginia?

Five states border Virginia — Maryland to the northeast, West Virginia to the northwest, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, and Kentucky to the west. The country’s capital, Washington D.C., is a district between Virginia and Maryland. The state’s eastern border is the Atlantic Ocean. Let’s take a look at the five states that border the Old Dominion.

Kentucky

Capital: Frankfort

Population: 4.5 million

Nickname: The Bluegrass State

Admitted to Union: June 1, 1792 (15th)

Governor: Andy Beshear (D)

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Population: 1.7 million

Nickname: Mountain State

Admitted to Union: June 20, 1863 (35th)

Governor: Jim Justice (R)

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis

Population: 6.1 million

Nickname: Old Line State

Admitted to Union: April 28, 1788 (7th)

Governor: Wes Moore (D)

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Population: 7 million

Nickname: The Volunteer State

Admitted to Union: June 1, 1796 (16th)

Governor: Bill Lee (R)

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh

Population: 10.6 million

Nickname: The Tarheel State

Admitted to Union: November 21, 1789 (12th)

Governor: Roy Cooper (D)

Is Virginia a Good Place to Live?

Virginia has a robust economy because of its proximity to Washington D.C., which means there are a lot of jobs in the state, especially in the big cities. You won’t be bored living here. There are so many things to do, from hiking the nature trails throughout the state to exploring the historical sites, or even taking a day trip to the nation’s capital. There is also a low crime rate in Virginia, as it is the 10th safest state in the nation. Furthermore, the schools in the state are some of the best in the US.

Unfortunately, to every pro, there are also cons. If you suffer from allergies, things won’t get better living in Virginia. The state borders a mountain range and an ocean, which means it’s perfect ground for a high pollen count.

The summers in Virginia can get quite hot and humid, so if you’re not into being sticky in the summer, this may not be the best state to be in. Lastly, Virginia’s traffic has increased substantially over the years and it’s mainly because of Washington D.C., and the jobs it has provided to many in the surrounding region.

What Is the Climate in Virginia?

Virginia has a humid subtropical type of climate, but as you go inland into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the temperature changes and it becomes more of a humid continental climate. The weather is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, ensuring that the coastal areas are warmer than the inland parts of the state.

Virginia is a rainy state and thunderstorms are fairly common during the spring and summer months. Hurricanes are a somewhat normal occurrence in the state and the deadliest hurricane to hit the state was Hurricane Camille in 1969, where more than 150 people died. 

When it comes to record temperatures, the highest recorded temperature in the state was 110 degrees Fahrenheit on July 15, 1954. The lowest recorded temperature was -30 degrees Fahrenheit on January 21, 1985.

What Is Virginia Most Known For?

Virginia is known for many things. First and foremost, it’s known for its deep history in the founding of the United States. It was one of the original colonies and an economic powerhouse. The state is a haven for presidential enthusiasts, as eight US presidents were born in the Old Dominion. Virginia also has a somewhat darker past, as it was part of the states that seceded from the union after the 1860 Election because they were proponents of slavery and vigorously opposed Abraham Lincoln. Richmond served as the Confederacy’s capital for four years. It was the site of several battles during the Civil War.

When it comes to wildlife, the state is quite biodiverse. The state is home to black bears, Virginia northern flying squirrels, and Virginia opossums. If you are into bird watching, you need to spot bald eagles, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons up in the sky. As for reptiles in the state, there are 28 species of frogs, but watch out for the poisonous northern copperhead. In terms of flora, you will find a variety of trees like the hickory, maple, pine, magnolia, and oak.

Fast Facts About Virginia

• Capital: Richmond
• Population: 8.6 million
• Governor: Glenn Youngkin (R)
• Lieutenant Governor: Winsome Sears (R)
• State dog: American foxhound (Canis lupus familiaris)
• State bird: Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
• State flower: American dogwood (Cornus florida)

Conclusion

Virginia is truly a beautiful state. The Old Dominion is one of the original 13 colonies and much of the United States’s history took place in the state. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, Virginia has seen a lot. When it comes to living there, the state is a more affordable place to live. Its weather isn’t too unpredictable and the cities in the state have a lively culture that will keep you busy. All in all, you will enjoy Virginia’s friendliness and Southern hospitality. After all, Virginia is for lovers.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jon Bilous/Shutterstock.com