Home to the first English settlement in North America, Virginia is also referred to as “The Birthplace of a Nation.” The state has some of the most historically significant landmarks and buildings associated with the American Civil War, renowned writers, and influential American figures. Come with us as we explore Virginia’s roots and what makes it so cherished by Americans.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that takes visitors through the streets of an authentic colonial settlement. You have a chance to interact with interpreters who reenact life in the 18th century. You can also watch live firelock demonstrations, ride historically accurate carriages around the grounds, or see what a court was like more than 300 years ago.
Monticello
Monticello was the primary plantation and residence of the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson inherited the land from his father, and not long after, he began designing and eventually constructed Monticello. Its innovative design still captures the hearts of many architects and is visited by thousands looking to catch a peek of Jefferson’s original artifacts.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is one of America’s most important buildings, as it belonged to the first president, George Washington. Built by Washington’s father, it sits on land that has been in the Washington family since 1674. Fortuitously, Mount Vernon—along with other estate buildings—escaped damage during the Civil War, remaining nearly original.
Jamestown Settlement
Jamestown Settlement is near the site of the original 1607 colony that helped shape America. It features gallery exhibits, re-creations, and historical retellings of the Virginia Indians who inhabited the land long before the colonists arrived. The grounds showcase many historically accurate buildings that illustrate the conditions settlers experienced when they arrived in North America.
Yorktown Battlefield
Yorktown Battlefield stands as the site where America gained its independence from the English. On October 19, 1781, the Revolutionary War’s final battle took place here, where the British, led by General Cornwallis, were besieged by Washington’s forces and their French allies. Anyone interested in the Revolution should consider visiting the site where America was freed.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in the United States, stretching 639 acres and serving as the final resting place for two American presidents and more than 400,000 American heroes. Arlington’s most well-known memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a grave that began with a single unknown service member and now symbolizes all military personnel who fell in service to the United States.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
If you’re interested in seeing a battlefield that marked a turning point in the American Civil War, Manassas National Battlefield Park—where the First and Second Battles of Bull Run took place—is a perfect place to start. It is the site of two hard-fought, yet decisive Confederate victories, and is known to have tested the Union’s resolve. The park also features many historic buildings scattered throughout the grounds, such as Battery Heights, Stone Bridge, and Robinson House.
Appomattox Court House
During the American Civil War, Appomattox Court House became the site where the Confederates made one of their most consequential surrenders. In addition to Appomattox Court House, the McLean House is where General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia surrendered. The village is surrounded by the Appomattox Court House Battlefield, which stretches 512 acres in various directions.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond)
Every art admirer should have Virginia’s Museum of Fine Arts on their bucket list, since it houses nearly 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum is special because it holds paintings from a wide array of countries and peoples, including Europe, America, Africa, India, and the Himalayas. It even has a theatre that reopened in 2011.
Edgar Allan Poe Memorial (Richmond)
Edgar Allan Poe’s memorial can be found in his museum, an area dedicated to the life he lived in Richmond and the works he wrote there. The memorial not only showcases a marvelous structure immortalizing Poe, but the museum also features one of the largest collections of his manuscripts, first editions, and letters.
Belle Grove Plantation
Belle Grove Plantation was constructed between 1794 and 1797 and is considered an important agricultural landmark. Belle Grove, the residence of Major Isaac Hite Jr.—a Revolutionary War veteran—served as the headquarters of General Philip Sheridan during the Battle of Cedar Creek. The plantation covers 7,500 acres and is still used for farming.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Wolf Trap is known as the only national park dedicated to showcasing the performing arts. Most of its performances are held from May through September, with the park housing theatres and presenting musicals, opera, jazz, dance, and country music. However, visitors shouldn’t forget about Wolf Trap’s 117 acres of pristine nature and wildlife.
Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive offers the best view of Shenandoah National Park and is among the most beautiful in America. The road stretches the length of the park—approximately 105 miles—and primarily takes you along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is especially exciting to drive through in the fall as the leaves start changing colors.
Maggie Walker National Park Historic Site (Richmond)
Maggie L. Walker, the first woman in the United States to become president of a bank, had her house designated as a National Historic Site to tell her story and showcase her life. The residence is accessible through various park ranger tours, with its interior fully decorated with original furniture.
Luray Caverns
If you find the earth fascinating, Luray Caverns will blow your mind. Discovered in 1878, it is said to house some of the world’s most fascinating flowstone, stalagmites, stalactites, mirrored pools, and mud flows compared to any other cave. Its most memorable feature is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, an instrument that reproduces tones similar to tuning forks, bells, and xylophones when electrical strikes are sent through it.
