About Virginia
Natural beauty, historic connections and diverse culture are trademarks of our Commonwealth – making it the perfect place to come for a day trip, stay for a week or spend a lifetime. I learned this when I moved to Virginia nearly 30 years ago with my wife Anne. Virginia is home and we urge you to come visit!
From the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the George Washington National Forest and the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s natural beauty draws visitors to every corner of the Commonwealth. As an avid outdoorsman, I love hiking and camping in Virginia’s state and national parks, and canoeing on our pristine rivers like the James running through my hometown of Richmond.
Between Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Monticello, Civil War battlefields and other historic sites, there is a place for everyone to connect to our heritage. The story of Virginia is the story of our nation. The first English settlers arrived at Jamestown, battles were fought for our independence, blood was shed in our nation’s Civil War and a student strike helped set the civil rights movement in motion. The ancestral homes of many Native American tribes exist still today. Known as the “Mother of Presidents,” Virginia has been the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents.
The Commonwealth has a rich cultural history. Virginia has produced some great musical legends – Ella Fitzgerald, the Carter family, Patsy Cline, Ralph Stanley, Bruce Hornsby, Missy Elliot, the Dave Matthews Band. The Crooked Road trail in Southwest Virginia gives visitors a window into the history of Appalachian music and those looking for live sounds can visit any of the many concert venues across the Commonwealth – from the National in Richmond, to the Pavilion in Charlottesville to the Friday night jamboree at the Floyd Country Store.
In the last sixty years, Virginia moved from a low-income, low-education state to one with a dynamic economy that is effective at attracting talented people, new businesses, great schools and a wonderful quality of life. I believe the key to this progress has been our ongoing commitment to expanding and improving educational opportunities in our Commonwealth, and I’m confident Virginia will continue on this path.
Visit Virginia
Whether your perfect vacation involves hiking, biking, playing golf, visiting historical sites and museums, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Virginia has it all. For help planning your next visit to Virginia, please visit the Commonwealth’s tourism site at http://www.virginia.org.
Elected Officials
State Officials
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Terry McAuliffeOffice of the GovernorPatrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor1111 East Broad Street Richmond VA, 23219
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Ralph NorthamOffice of the Lt. Governor102 Governor StreetRichmond VA, 23219
Senators
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Mark R. WarnerDC Office475 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington DC, 20510
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Tim KaineDC Office393 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington DC, 20510
U.S. House of Representatives
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Rob WittmanDistrict 12454 Rayburn HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Scott RigellDistrict 2418 Cannon HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Bobby ScottDistrict 31201 Longworth HOBWashington DC, 20515
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J. Randy ForbesDistrict 42135 Rayburn HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Robert HurtDistrict 5125 Cannon HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Bob GoodlatteDistrict 62309 Rayburn HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Eric CantorDistrict 7303 Cannon HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Jim MoranDistrict 82252 Rayburn HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Morgan GriffithDistrict 91108 Longworth HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Frank WolfDistrict 10233 Cannon HOBWashington DC, 20515
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Gerry ConnollyDistrict 11424 Cannon HOBWashington DC, 20515