Virginia, from a colonial perspective, has the longest standing history for the United States as the first permanent English settlement, Jamestown, was founded in Virginia in 1607. Prior to colonization, the Powhatans inhabited the area of Virginia.
On this day June 25th, in 1788, Virginia enters the United States as the 10th state. Virginia is one of the original 13 colonies which fought for the American War of Independence. It is located next to the Atlantic Ocean and borders Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Virginia is nicknamed the “mother of presidents” because 8 presidents were born there, including George Washington.
As of 2011 Virginia had the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. at 6.2%. Virginia was also voted by Forbes Magazine as the best state for business for four years in a row. It has the largest shipbuilding industry, and is also home to Annapolis, as well as other Naval bases. Its population is 8,096,604, and 65% of the state is covered by forests – which has made it a hub for hunting and camping.