June 25 is a birthday for many: George Orwell, an accomplished author; Ricky Gervais, a successful comedian; and, Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic women on the United States Supreme Court. However, the oldest and arguably the most important birthday on this date is that of Virginia. On this day in 1788, Virginia was the 10th state to join the United States of America.
June 25, 2016 is the 228th birthday of the state of Virginia. All those years ago James Madison was the catalyst in facilitating Virginia’s transition from one of the 13 colonies into a state. Including James Madison, Virginia served as the birthplace of more presidents than any other state: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor and Woodrow Wilson.
Virginia started with the English settlers establishing in Jamestown, the former capital, on the bank of the James River in 1607. Richmond, also founded in 1607, is now the capital of Virginia.
Many changes in Virginia have occurred in the last 228 years. Some counties in the original Virginia have been given to Kentucky and West Virginia. Even with the loss of those counties, Virginia is still the home to about eight million people, and encompasses 42,775 square miles.
Virginia is often called the Old Dominion, Mother of Presidents, Mother of states, Mother of Statesmen and the Cavalier State. Among many things, Virginia is a vital part of American history and establishment of the United States. Happy Birthday, Virginia!
The Virginia Vibe 