Virginia - A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide Review
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

If Virginia is for Lovers, as the slogan says, then it must include lovers of American History. As one of the oldest states in the U.S.A, Virginia's historic cultural fiber spans its borders. It seems that almost everywhere you look, this history is demonstrated in a museum, as a monument, or as an entire district dedicated to the restoration and preservation of America's deep-rooted past.

Jamestown Ships

HISTORY

The first English settlement, in what would eventually become the United States, was born in Virginia some 400 years ago. Overcrowding, lack of resources and severe pressure from the Spanish, Portuguese, French and Dutch, who had already begun expanding out of their own territory, were great factors in the birth of the Virginia Company. The Company was privately funded and charged with the settlement and exploration of this new land. Under the command of Captain Charles Newport, 143 men packed in three cargo ships made their way across the Atlantic Ocean, through what is now known as Chesapeake Bay. Where they settled was about 20 miles up the James River, named for their King, in a place that would become Jamestown. From the moment they landed the settlement faced many hardships; time would claim a large number of the English settlers - starvation, disease, lack of leadership, frequent attacks by the local Algonquian Natives, were all factors that contributed to their decline. In 1609, in what was appearing to be a failed venture, a young man named John Smith ascended in the ranks and virtually saved the colony from complete extinction.

The Monticello Estate Plantation Site

The well-known story concerning Pocahontas and John Smith was romanticized over the years to reveal a tragic love story, but the truth about their relationship, while rather uncertain, began around the time of America's birth. Folklore has it that the two met the first summer Smith arrived in Jamestown. On an exploration for food he stumbled into the unwelcoming arms of the local natives, was brought back to Chief Powhatan and scheduled for execution. As Smith was prepared to be put to death, a 13-year-old Pocahontas draped herself over the Englishman preventing the tribe from killing him. Her courage won her great respect from both her tribe and the English. Her presence, from this day on, was appreciated in Jamestown and she spent a great deal of time there.Until John Smith suffered an injury that sent him back to England, life on the colony began to improve. Eventually Pocahontas won the heart of successful tobacco farmer James Rolfe and in 1614, she converted to Christianity and was married. Two years later she would move to England with her husband and young child. As fortune would have it, Pocahontas would never see Virginia again. Just before heading back to her homeland, about a year after departing, she would fall ill and die. Her marriage brought a lot of peace between the settlers and the English, a peace that would sustain until after the death of her father, Chief Powhatan.

In 1612 what started as an experiment by John Rolfe, would become one of Virginia's most profitable exports for centuries to come. Before this, tobacco crops had yielded bad leaves, with a seemingly bitter taste. He obtained seeds from the large-leaf Nicotiana tabacum plant and the first successful crop, which was comparable to the more popular Spanish grown, would be sent back to England. Plantation houses would begin popping up in Virginia steadily and it would remain Virginia's most profitable crop for years to come. Tobacco plantations thrived largely because of the movement that first brought Africans to Virginia in 1619 to work as slaves in the fields. The first ship brought 20 slaves, but the trend increased and by 1650 that number had increased to a couple of hundred per ship and over time to thousands. The acquisition of slaves was a vital component in the plantation fields. When the price of tobacco fell, in the middle of the 17^th century, it was usually only the larger plantations, with strong slave labor, that could survive.

	Mount Vernon Plantation Site

Few detailed accounts are available concerning slave culture on the plantations; this is attributed to their lack of possession, poor records and total control of information by the colonists. In fact, literacy was forbidden among slaves. Recent excavations have shed some light on how slaves lived, and some specifics on who they were, but a lot of the information remains speculative.

Slaves usually arrived on the plantation sites from June to August, when the tobacco plants were already beginning to sprout in the fields. The most desired slaves were those who brought with them agricultural skills from their home land. Many of the more skilled men and women were among the most respected by their masters and other slaves, and usually enjoyed a more comfortable lifestyle than those who were unskilled. Slaves with carpentry or other specialized skills were often allowed to sell items built in their spare time to their masters for some spending money. Their dwellings were usually better made, more private and closer to the main house then the regular field workers; those workers usually lived in community shacks out of sight from the main house and were given few provisions.

Plantation sites are still present around Virginia's countryside and are an intricate part of southern culture. Some sights are still privately owned, some still cultivated, some are nationally registered historic sights and open to visitors, but each stands as a testament to an important era in Virginia's history. The Stratford Hall Plantation, Mount Vernon and Monticello Estate are some of the famous, must-see plantation sites in Virginia.

Virginia's role in the inauguration of the Revolutionary War was unprecedented among other states. Along with Massachusetts, Virginia led the movement against unpopular British initiatives that led to the rise in American national sentiment and eventually the Revolutionary War. Virginian Patrick Henry was a leader among American patriots. Famous for his "give me liberty or give me death" speech, Henry's accomplishments include his efforts in writing the Virginia constitution. As an initiator in the War, it is only fitting that the battle credited with winning the Revolution also be fought on Virginia's soil. The Battle of Yorktown, a victory led by George Washington, another Virginian, would signify the end of British rule in the area. Virginia also played a significant role in the Civil War of 1861-1865. Perhaps its close proximity to the nation's capital in Washington D.C. has influenced Virginia's oft pivotal role in U.S. politics. Virginia was the birth place of no less than eight presidents - more than any other state.

Cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains

CLIMATE

With the Virginia Mountains in the west and the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to the east, Virginia's weather patterns are as varied as its landscape. The Atlantic Ocean moderates the coastal region and as a result this region usually sees fewer temperature fluctuations and enjoys a longer growing season than the rest of Virginia. Visitors to this region usually spend a lot of their vacation under a blanket of sun, playing in the ocean or lying at the beach, almost anytime of year. Rain is not particularly uncommon in this region, but if this occurs there are plenty of indoor activities as an alternative. The mountains, being at the highest elevation, are subject to colder days. Winter hikers beware: this region can get quite cold. The good news in this region is for skiers because the mountains also see a lot of snow. The average temperature near the mountains is slightly less then 68°F (20°C) while the average temperature in the central-southeast can range more then 78°F (26°C). The coast, not surprisingly, enjoys the hottest climate with summer highs that can sometimes soar over 100°F (30°C) with high humidity.

TRANSPORTATION

Depending on which area you plan to visit, there are four major airports serving Virginia and the surrounding area. The largest domestic airport is the Ronald Reagan National Airport with direct flights to major cities across North America. National Airport borders Washington D.C. and is located on the northwest corner of Virginia, only a few minutes drive to Arlington. The Washington Flyer Express Bus transports guests from the airport to downtown Washington or to the Washington Dulles International Airport. There is also a shuttle van that can pick up passengers at their home, hotel or business, within the metro area and transport them to the airport on a shared-ride basis. International travelers flying direct from overseas will arrive at the Dulles Airport, situated about 25 miles east of Arlington. Other airports include the Richmond Airport, located in central Virginia and the Norfolk Airport, which is the closest for people visiting the coastal region. Interstate 95 runs north and south crossing through Richmond with interstate 64, which runs east and west. The mountains serve as a shadow for interstate 81, which runs north and south along the entire length of the western part of the state and well into Washington D.C. Connecting the Eastern Shore to the rest of Virginia is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. AMTRAK provides train service to many major cities across Virginia including Arlington, Richmond, Newport News, Lynchburg and Washington D.C.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Today Virginia enjoys a booming tourism industry; its museums and large historic areas dedicated to preserving its past, play a large part in this success. Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, each with a significant legacy in Virginia's history, make up the famous Historic Triangle. Much of these areas have been restored back to the time of their original significance. From the earliest settlers in Jamestown dating back to the 1600s, to the Battle of Yorktown that would, in 1781, win America's independence from England, this area's history is as rich as its fertile soil. The historic area in Williamsburg, centered around the Duke of Gloucester Street, remains preserved in the 18^th century. Visitors can actually dine in the same taverns where the ideas of America's democracy were first drafted by such famous Virginians as George Washington and Patrick Henry. In total, 88 buildings in historic Williamsburg have been restored to their original architecture, while scores of replicas have been built on their original sights. The original building of the College of William and Mary, where Thomas Jefferson attended school, still stands and is credited with initiating the radical ideas that fanned the revolutionary movement. The historic district of Colonial Williamsburg is a mile long living history museum where interpretive guides, soldiers, housewives and government officials are dressed and living as 18^th century figures. Throughout the week you can also attend performances that display certain facets of colonial life.

	Jamestown Monument

Ten minutes from the site of the original Jamestown settlement a large area of land has been converted into a series of museums that celebrate different aspects of the early life. The outdoor museum includes replicas of the three ships that brought the first set of English settlers, and a village representing the world of Pocahontas and the Powhatan Indians. This whole area can be explored by foot, and is a great way to spend the afternoon. Various special events also take place throughout the year celebrating this history.

The third point on the triangle is Yorktown. Nine houses still stand from the time of the Yorktown battle. Some of these houses are private residences, while others can be explored. The battle sites in Yorktown are marked with signs; you can follow these markers to reenact step by step accounts of the battles fought there.

In 1780 Virginia's capital moved from Williamsburg to its current location, Richmond. Richmond is another city conscious of its history; its large historic district and many museums are dedicated to preserving the past. Known as the Capital of Confederacy, Richmond dedicates much of its preservation efforts to the Civil War. The Museum of Confederacy, located in Richmond, is one of the most extensive museums of its kind and well worth a visit. The historic White House of the Confederacy building and a modern museum building make up the museum complex that features a large permanent collection, an extensive research library and featured exhibits that change periodically.

Among the Civil War attractions, the Hollywood Cemetery is a registered historical landmark and the final resting place for famous Civil War figures. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler also rest here. It would be possible to spend a whole afternoon walking around this beautifully landscaped cemetery, which was named for the holly trees that grow in abundance there. A spectacular view of the James River can be seen inside it gates. Monuments placed throughout the landscape are tributes to Civil War soldiers.

The Valentine Museum exhibits the diversity of Richmond's entire past - its authors, artists and political figures. Thousands of photos and prints, taken from its entire 300 years, remain the focal point of the items displayed at this museum.

While its past is openly honored throughout the city, Richmond is not just for history buffs. This radiant city has much to offer most any traveler. Take a stroll on the canal, or a boat tour on the James River; walk or take a carriage ride through the streets,and visit 18^th Century mansions; visit Market Street's eclectic shops and fine dining - it's all here to enjoy.