History of Virginia notes

HIUS 390: History of Virginia
Professor Jones


Unit I: Geography, Background, and Pre-
Colonial Virginia
Virginia and the Surrounding Region
Virginia has played a central role in the history of the United States. It was one of the earliest
English colonies and, for much of American history, was the largest state in population and land
area.

Virginia originally included territory that later became:

 West Virginia
 Kentucky
 Ohio
 Indiana
 Illinois
 Parts of other Midwestern states

As the United States expanded, these territories were gradually separated from Virginia and
organized into new states and territories.

West Virginia became a state in 1863 during the Civil War after separating from Virginia.

Virginia is often described as an Upper South state because of its geographic and cultural
position between the Deep South and the northern states.

Important Virginia Cities

 Virginia Beach — currently the largest city in Virginia.
 Norfolk — historically one of Virginia's largest and most important cities, particularly
because of its naval and maritime importance.
 Fairfax County — one of the most heavily populated areas in the state.
 Danville — one of the wealthiest cities in the South during the Civil War.
 Richmond — Virginia's capital and the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War.
 Lynchburg — known as the “Hill City.”
 Roanoke — known as the “Star City.”
 Newport News — an important center for shipbuilding.

,Virginia's geographic position has always influenced its history. The state includes coastal areas,
rivers, mountains, valleys, and areas rich in natural resources.




Virginia's Geography
The Tidewater and Coastal Plain
The Tidewater region includes the eastern portion of Virginia.

Important locations include:

 Hampton
 Norfolk
 Virginia Beach
 Williamsburg
 Newport News

The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most important geographic features in the region and has
historically supported fishing, shipping, commerce, and military activity.

The Delmarva Peninsula includes parts of:

 Delaware
 Maryland
 Virginia

The area surrounding Hampton Roads and the lower James River became especially important
for shipbuilding and military operations.

Because the coastal plain has a high water table in many areas, basements are often difficult to
construct near the coast.




The Piedmont
The Piedmont is the region between the coastal plain and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It is characterized by:

 Red clay soil
 Rolling hills

,  Agricultural land
 Numerous major population centers

Lynchburg is located in the Piedmont region.




The Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains extend through central Virginia.

The mountains are located approximately 25 miles west of Lynchburg.

Important features include:

 The Blue Ridge Mountains
 Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia
 The Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley has historically been one of the most agriculturally productive regions in
Virginia.




The Valley and Ridge Region
The Valley and Ridge region lies farther west.

The region is known for:

 Fertile soil
 Agriculture
 Cattle farming
 Coal mining
 Mountain passes

One of the most important geographic features is Cumberland Gap, which historically served as
a major passage through the Appalachian Mountains.




Pre-Colonial Virginia

, Before the arrival of the English, thousands of Indigenous people lived in the region that would
become Virginia.

The Powhatan Confederacy was the dominant political organization in much of eastern
Virginia.

The Powhatan people lived throughout much of the Tidewater region, including areas around:

 The James River
 Chesapeake Bay
 The Virginia Peninsula
 The Eastern Shore

The Powhatan people had a highly organized society and economy.

European observers also commented on differences in hygiene and daily life between Indigenous
peoples and Europeans. The Powhatan regularly bathed, while Europeans generally bathed much
less frequently.




Early European Exploration
Although England eventually established the first permanent English settlement in Virginia,
Spanish explorers had reached portions of the region before the English.

The Spanish explored parts of the southeastern United States and were aware of areas farther
north than the territory they directly controlled.

England later claimed a large area of North America for Queen Elizabeth I.




Sir Walter Raleigh and the Name Virginia
Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the most important early English promoters of colonization.

The name Virginia was given in honor of Queen Elizabeth I, who was known as the “Virgin
Queen.”

Raleigh also gave his name to:

 Raleigh, North Carolina