10 Unique Trivia Facts About Virginia You Probably Never Knew

Every state has a unique and fascinating history, yet few lifelong residents know it. Even lifelong Virginians are surprised by some of the strange, historic, and downright unbelievable stories hidden throughout the state. Now is as good a time as any to brush up on your Virginia trivia facts. Who knows, you could end up sweeping a category on Jeopardy, or at least take home a win at your local bar trivia night. 

1. The College of William & Mary is the second-oldest college in the country

Located in Williamsburg, the College of William & Mary was founded in 1693 and was the first to receive a Royal Charter.  And the Sir Christopher Wren building, photographed above, is the oldest standing academic building in the U.S. Its construction history dates back to 1695!

2. Virginia was originally supposed to be a silk colony

Before tobacco was commercially grown in Virginia, the colony was intended to sell silk. However, a fungus wiped out the trees that the silkworms fed on, and so tobacco became the main crop. Imagine how different Virginia would be if silk were the major export!

3. The Virginia state boundary originally included both West Virginia and Kentucky

Kentucky would become its own state in 1792, and West Virginia would gain statehood in 1863. Crazy to think Virginia could have been such a big state, right?

4. Virginia was originally divided into shires.

In 1634, the Colony of Virginia originally included eight distinct shires. This was based on a local form of government in England at the time, and eventually redesignated as counties a few years later. The original Shires of Virginia were: Accomac Shire, Charles City Shire, Charles River Shire, Elizabeth City Shire, Henrico Shire, James City Shire, Warwick River Shire, and Warrosquyoake Shire.

5. Virginia has been called the Mother of Presidents because multiple U.S. Presidents have been born on Virginia soil

The "Virginia dynasty," as it's sometimes called, includes George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. In total, eight U.S. presidents were born in Virginia; the other four are William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.

If you’re keeping track, that’s the first, third, fourth, fifth, ninth, tenth, twelfth, and twenty-eighth presidents. 

6. Virginia is one of only four in the country to have been established as a Commonwealth

The states of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia are all considered Commonwealths, which is a British term implying that a political community was established for the common good. Considering how the United States began, it's clear why there are so many nods to England.

7. Hampton is the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in all of North America

The city was originally established by colonists back in 1610. Today, Hampton has become one of the best towns in Virginia for a weekend getaway. Between its waterfront attractions and excellent dining options, it's easy to see why it's so popular.

8. Pocahontas Island in Petersburg is the oldest Black community in the U.S.

This community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Read our previous article about the history of Pocahontas. It was once a mining town that played a large role during the coal boom before a tragic explosion.

9. The Island of Tangier has a unique accent not found anywhere else in the country

Originally settled by English colonists in the 1680s, Tangier Island has a unique British dialect you won't find anywhere else in the state or country. Some phrases, patterns, and speech can be traced back to Colonial times. As the self-proclaimed soft-shell crab capital of the world, I'd recommend paying a visit to this hidden gem!

10. Naval Station Norfolk is the largest of its kind in the world

Home to over 78 ships from the Atlantic Fleet, Naval Station Norfolk is the largest naval base in the entire world. Norfolk itself is one of the friendliest towns in Virginia and is worth a visit!

These are just a few fun facts about Virginia. We know we've barely scratched the surface! If you knew all of these, perhaps we should up the ante with these quirky Virginia facts that sound made up, but they're absolutely true.