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VAVirginia History
Virginia at a glance
Virginia was admitted to the Union on 1788, making it the 11th state. As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia was a founding member of the United States. Its capital Richmond has been the seat of state government since well before the Civil War.
Native peoples
For thousands of years before European contact, Indigenous peoples lived across what is now Virginia. Multiple distinct cultures developed in response to the region's geography — coastal peoples, plains peoples, river-valley peoples, mountain peoples — each with their own languages, governance, and trade networks. European colonization disrupted these civilizations dramatically, often through disease, displacement, and forced removal. Today, Virginia's Native heritage is preserved in place names, tribal nations within state borders, and ongoing cultural practices.
Colonial era and Revolution
As one of the 13 original colonies, Virginia was central to the founding of the United States. British colonization of the region began in the 17th century. By the 1770s, colonial assemblies were resisting British taxation policies, and Virginia sent delegates to the Continental Congress that declared independence in 1776. Virginia fought in the Revolutionary War alongside the other 12 colonies and ratified the US Constitution between 1787 and 1790, depending on the specific date.
Civil War (1861-1865)
Virginia seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. The war devastated the state economy, with widespread destruction and loss of life. After Confederate defeat in 1865, Virginia entered the long Reconstruction era, which sought to integrate formerly enslaved people into civic and economic life. Reconstruction officially ended in 1877. The state's path to full re-integration into the Union — economically, politically, and socially — extended well into the 20th century, particularly through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s-60s.
Path to statehood
The path from European exploration to statehood typically took decades. Virginia was already an established colony when the US declared independence in 1776, becoming a state with the ratification of the US Constitution by 1788.
The modern era
Today Virginia has a population of 5 to 10 million and is one of the mid-sized states in the country. The capital is Richmond; the largest city is Virginia Beach. Agriculture remains an important sector of the state economy. Tourism is a major economic driver. The political lean has shifted over time and now leans reliably Democratic.
Key historical sites in Virginia
Virginia preserves its history through state parks, national monuments, historic districts, and museums. Battlefields, colonial towns, mission sites, Native American heritage areas, and Civil Rights landmarks (where applicable) anchor the state's heritage tourism. Visit the state's official tourism site for a current list.
Bordering states
Virginia shares borders with 5 other US states.
Learn US history through daily puzzles
Statedoku uses statehood era, Confederate or Union role, and admission years as recurring constraints. After a month of daily play, you'll know exactly when and how each state joined the Union.
Play today's puzzle →Common questions about Virginia history
When did Virginia become a state?
Virginia became a state in 1788, making it the 11th state admitted to the Union. It was one of the 13 original colonies.
Was Virginia part of the Confederacy?
Yes, Virginia seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War (1861-1865).
Was Virginia part of the Louisiana Purchase?
No.
Did Spain or France colonize Virginia?
Virginia was primarily under British colonial influence.
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