Nearly every single one of Virginia's towns or cities has historical significance. That comes with the territory, so to speak, as Virginia itself was one of the original colonies. The following towns are especially noteworthy for being the oldest in the entire state. Despite the centuries that have passed, these towns still remain important to Virginia and are cherished for their contributions to American history. If you haven't visited some of the oldest sites in Virginia, you might want to start planning a trip soon.
Jamestown is where it all began. Settled in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London, the site became the first permanent settlement in the New World. Jamestown's is most significant for its colonial identity, and it was the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1616 until 1699. Today, Jamestown is part of the Historic Triangle and is the site of Colonial Jamestown, an interactive live museum where travelers from across the globe come to learn about this important American landmark.
Petersburg is an independent city today, although the town's beginnings date back to the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus. Petersburg witnessed battles of both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Because of the town's location at the confluence of the Appomattox and James rivers, it has played an important role in economic and commercial development as well.
Williamsburg was founded in 1632 under the name of Middleton Plantation. From 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg served as the capital of the Colony of Virginia. (Jamestown, the original capital, had been burned during Bacon's rebellion of 1676.) The government was able to use facilities offered by the College of William & Mary. When the capital was moved to Richmond in 1780, Williamsburg lost some of its prominence. Since it was built on higher grounds, it could not be easily accessed by major waterways as was the case with most of the state's early colonies.
Captain John Smith himself deemed Onancock the "gem of the Eastern shore." Today, the same holds true in a town that considers itself a place where history meets hospitality. This small town on the Chesapeake Bay was founded in 1680 and currently has a population of less than 1500. Visitors can kayak to local wineries or explore Native American culture and the surrounding wildlife.
Dumfries is located in Prince William County as is considered the oldest cotinuously-chartered town in the state. The town's beginnings happened as early as 1690, when Richard Gibson built a gristmill on Quantico Creek. Decades later, the General Assembly established Dumfries as a township in May of 1749, named after Dumfries, Scotland. The town was an important tobacco port in Colonial America, rivaling cities such as New York and Boston. Photographed above is the notable Henderson House.
Tappahannock is the oldest town and county seat of Essex. John Smith landed here in 1618 but was driven out by Native Americans. It wasn't until 1682 that a local man by the name of James Hobbs established a trading post. "Hobbs Hole" was then changed to "New Plymouth" before the name was changed back to it's original name of Tappahannock, meaning "where the tide ebbs and flows."
Yorktown is the county seat of York County and was founded in 1691 is a tobacco port on the York River to send the product to England. The town played a crucial role in American history as the site where Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington in 1781. Although the war would continue another year, this defeat is what effectively ended the Revolution. Yorktown also served as an important town during the Civil War for both Union and Confederate troops, depending on which side held power over the town.
Norfolk was incorporated in 1705. By 1775, it was considered by many to be the most prosperous city in the entire state. It became a vital port for shipping goods to the British Isles and further. Norfolk's location in the southeastern Hampton Roads region continues to play a vital role in the town's economy.
Fredericksburg is an independent city located where the Rappahannock River crosses the Fall Line. The area was established in 1728 and named after Frederick, Prince of Wales. The city is closely tied with George Washington, who moved with his family to Ferry Farm in 1738. It was in Fredericksburg where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Because of its location halfway between Washington D.C. and Richmond, Fredericksburg also played an important role during the Civil War.
Our lovely capital, Richmond was incorporated in 1737, but did not become an independent city until 1871. Richmond's importance in the country's history became apparent during the Revolutionary War, when Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" speech took place at St. John's Church. Richmond also served as capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War. In the 20th century, Richmond became noteworthy for its successful electric streetcar systems.
The Old Town section of Alexandria was established in 1749. This portion of town is well-known for its historic buildings, one of which includes the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee. The Market Square is believed to be the oldest of its kind in the country. It continues to host a farmers market on Saturday mornings.
Located in Virginia's beautiful foothills, Lynchburg is known as "hill city" and was first settled in 1757. The town was named after its founder, John Lynch, who at the young age of 17 started a James River ferry service. Lynch was also responsible for the first river bridge in the town. Thomas Jefferson found Lynchburg particularly intriguing, and in 1810 wrote, "Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be useful to the town of Lynchburg. I consider it as the most interesting spot in the state." The town served as a Confederate supply base during the Civil War and for four days in 1865, served as the capital of Virginia (corresponding with the fall of Richmond). Today, Lynchburg is very visitor-friendly, with candlelight cemetery tours, art shows, and lecture series.
Charlottesville is the county seat of Albemarle County. The town was formed in 1762 along the trade route Three Notched Road (currently Route 250). During the Revolutionary War, Charlottesville was the site of the imprisonment of the Convention Army in the Albemarle Barracks. The Skirmish at Rio Hill was the only Civil War battle to take place in Charlottesville, which remained relatively unscathed during that time. The town is well-known for its proximity to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home as well as the University of Virginia.
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Have you visited any of these historic Virginia towns recently?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Most Virginians are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a stunning complex that goes both over and under the open seas, connecting Delmarva and Hampton Roads. But, what many don't realize is that it's actually the longest of its kind in the entire world. That's right; there are a handful of other bridge tunnels throughout the planet, but none are as long as the one you'll find here in Virginia. Here's more on why the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia is a marvelous feat of engineering.
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Anyone who has traversed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel never forgets the experience. This 17.6-mile structure takes drivers on an epic journey across the Chesapeake Bay.
The website states that building the complex meant "undertaking a project of more than 12 miles of low-level trestle, two 1-mile tunnels, two bridges, almost 2 miles of causeway, four manmade islands and 5-1/2 miles of approach roads, totaling 23 miles."
Upon opening, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was declared One of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World. And it's no mystery why!
Along the route, the water varies from 25 feet to 100 feet deep. For those interested in getting out to explore the scenery, there's a scenic overview along the way.
In fact, it's a popular stop for migrating birds on their route north in the spring or south in the late fall. If you're a birding enthusiast, prepare to be impressed!
So whether you need to get across the Chesapeake Bay or you're simply looking for an epic day trip, you'll be glad you took the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Have you ever driven the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia? What did you think? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments -- we'd love to hear all about your adventures! This amazing road can also be the start of a lovely day trip in Virginia:
