States from A-Z: Virginia and Washington

Virginia

 

In 1788 Virginia was the 10th State to ratify the U.S. Constitution. During the Civil War the Northwest districts divided originating the independent State of West Virginia and Richmond became the capital. Nicknamed as “Old Dominion” or “Mother of Presidents” because eight U.S. Presidents were born in the State.

 

Virginia was between the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century a leading political State, playing an important role in several conflicts throughout American early history. In the 19th century the State lost a bit of its influence because of industrialization and immigration tending to the Northern part of the U.S.

The State of Virginia probably owes its name to Queen Elizabeth I, who was also known as “The Virgin Queen” due to the fact that she was unmarried.

The Mount Rogers is the highest mountain with 1.746 m located in the chain of Appalachian Mountains.

The Pentagon is among the many federal developments that are located in Virginia.

 

Tobacco

 

The Powhatan is the most well known Native American tribe that was settled in Virginia, they belong to the Algonkin tribe and lived close to the coast side. The other native language group were the Siouan to the west, the Iroquians – Nottaway and Meherrin – to the north and south.

 

In 1607 took place the first attempt to settle a colony - “Jamestown Colony”, it was enforced by the “Virginia Company” and supported by the English.

 

John Rolfe brought from Trinidad in 1612 the first tobacco plant to Virginia. 1612 became a very important year for the plantation economy, the tobacco plants thrived really well with the help of the natives and a humid climate. 20.000 Pounds of tobacco were exported in 1618, causing a boom in the new world, the European demand for tobacco grew higher. In 1638 the State of Virginia exported 3 Million Pounds. Until nowadays Virginia counts as the most economically successful State, the economy is balanced, including government and military, farming and business.

 

In 1714 Germans immigrants founded the “Germanna” colony.

 

Virginia is the birthplace of many Founding Fathers of the U.S.: Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, James Madison, George Mason and George Washington. The “Virginians” played a major role in writing the United States Constitution.

 

On May 1776 Virginia was declared independent from the British Empire. George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights in June 1776. Shortly after Patrick Henry was announced Governor of Virginia. On the 14th of July, 1776 Virginia was declared as one of the 13 Colonies of the United States.

 

 

Washington "Evergreen State"

 

Washington is located on the westernmost fringe of the USA, near the pacific coast and adjoins Oregon in the South, Idaho in the East and British Columbia in the North. Due to numerous conifers growing in Washington, this state has the nickname “Evergreen State”.

In order to make a distinction between the state, named after George Washington, and the capital Washington DC (east coast of the USA), the complete name “Washington State” is used.

 

Washington is the 19th largest state in the USA – it measures 184,665 km². Taking a look at the population of 6,5 million inhabitants, however, Washington takes 13th place.

 

In 1889, the state was named after the first president of the United States, George Washington. At that time, Olympia was the capital (and still is) and different counties developed. Due to this development the Native Americans were pushed into reservations causing many wars.

 

Like in many other states of the USA the gold rush came first and the timber industry started booming afterwards. Both branches came close to their limits, whereupon many settlers came to the state and settled down in places that had no meaning beforehand. Through Washington’s convenient location it benefitted not only from the World Wars but also from the Pacific War. It gained considerable importance to the Air Force and the Navy. The aircraft industry, a nuclear power plant, information technology and tourism arose little by little.

 

Adjoining Canada, the three national parks Mount Rainier National Park (oldest National Park in Washington), Olympic National Park und North Cascades National Park are nowadays a huge tourist magnet.

Furthermore, there are a lot of sports that can be practiced – such as riding, climbing, canoeing, diving and much more. You can also go on a shopping spree or watch football in a stadium.

 

Special attention needs to be given to Washington when it comes to the books and the filming of the Twilight Saga. Tourists have the chance to follow the tracks of Bella and Edward and explore the little town of Folks on their own.