Most Historical Places in Virginia
Virginia: is one of the 13 original colonies and has played a significant role in United States history. It has many historical attractions that are worth visiting.
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The state is known for its diverse culture and has an economy that is thriving. It is home to a wide variety of industries, including shipbuilding, farming, seafood harvesting, and wineries.
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1. Natural Bridge of Virginia
The Natural Bridge of Virginia is a 215-foot natural limestone arch in the state of Virginia that’s one of the oldest geological formations on the East Coast. It’s surrounded by the Natural Bridge State Park, which is home to a variety of hiking trails and other activities.
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The site is also home to a wax museum that features figurines and scenes from Virginia’s history. Butterflies at the Bridge is another popular tourist attraction that houses hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a climate-controlled indoor garden.
It’s easy to get to the Natural Bridge of Virginia from many locations in the area, including Lexington, Lynchburg and Roanoke. It’s located off Interstate 81 in the Shenandoah Valley and is just a short drive from Washington & Lee University.
When you see the Natural Bridge of Virginia, it’s hard to forget its awe-inspiring beauty. It’s one of Virginia’s most visited attractions, drawing more than 300,000 visitors a year from all over the country.
2. Jamestown
Jamestown is the site of America’s first permanent English colony. Founded in 1607, it is today managed by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia.
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Jamestown Settlement is a great place to learn about the early history of America. You can watch artifact-filled gallery exhibits, try on English armor in a re-created fort, discover the Powhatan Indian way of life and step aboard replicas of the three ships that brought colonists to Virginia.
There are also various attractions around the area, such as the APVA Gate, John Smith Statue, General Assembly Monument and the Wooden Cross. You can also see the bronze Horse Trough outside the Yeardley House offices of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project.
Jamestown’s history is a bit grim, as starvation, raids by Native Americans and fire caused many deaths in the colony. However, there was also a period of relative peace in the area following the marriage of tobacco planter John Rolfe to Pocahontas. It’s also where the first representative assembly of English North America convened in July 1619. This is also where the first recorded enslaved Africans arrived in 1619, a development that was a major turning point in the history of slavery in the United States.
3. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is a coastal resort town that’s home to world-class beaches and a bustling commercial center. It’s also a great place for families to spend summer vacations, and there are tons of things to do while you’re there.
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One of the best parts about Virginia Beach is its pleasantly moderate climate, which allows for sunny days year-round without it feeling too hot or cold. This makes it a great choice for people who have been living in other regions with more extreme weather.
There’s plenty to do in the city, ranging from parks and beaches to museums and amusement parks. If you want to get a little wet, there’s the Ocean Breeze Water Park, which features more than 30 slides and rides that will keep the whole family entertained.
If you’re a fan of animals, the Virginia Museum and Marine Science Center is a must-see. Located on General Booth Boulevard, this museum has over 300 species of marine life. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour, watch them feed the sharks and seals, or participate in a rope adventure course.
Another must-do while you’re in Virginia Beach is going to the local farmers market and picking up a few fresh fruits for a snack or picnic lunch. Henley Farms and Cullipher Farm Berry Patch are two great options for grabbing sweet red strawberries and juicy blueberries.
4. Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum. It features 301 acres of reconstructed colonial buildings, homes, shops, and taverns on the site of Virginia’s 18th-century capital.
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It’s an excellent choice for families with children who enjoy history and want to learn more about the American Revolution. Throughout the day, townsfolk and ‘interpreters’ in period dress act out daily life as it would have been in 1700s America.
They also perform reenactments of militia drills, trials, and political meetings, as well as other events that took place during the time period. You’ll hear debates about slavery (approximately 52% of the population of the town in 1700s were slaves), women’s suffrage, the rights of indigenous Americans and the morality of revolution.
The park doesn’t gloss over the less glorious moments of American history, but it does present a strong intimation of the quality of life that would have been enjoyed by men and women of all classes and social positions. Although attendance has declined in recent years, Colonial Williamsburg is still one of the most popular attractions in the state. It is operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a nonprofit foundation endowed by John D. Rockefeller.
5. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of Richmond’s finest attractions. With a collection that rivals those found at the best art museums in larger cities, it is a standout among its peers.
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VMFA is owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia, while private donations and endowments fund specific programs and the acquisition of artwork. Admission is free (except for special exhibits).
As of 2018, the VMFA has an impressive 22,000 works on display, with strengths in British sporting art and Faberge eggs as well as large collections of African, Indian and Tibetan art. This Museum District standout also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore everything from Black life in Virginia to jewelry to Asian religions.
The VMFA recently undertook a $150-million building expansion to double its exhibition space, add a casual bistro and fine dining restaurant, and expand accessibility with a schedule that will keep it open 365 days a year. With an emphasis on reaching out to communities that rarely go to a museum, the VMFA continues to be a popular destination for visitors of all ages and interests.
6. Edgar Allan Poe Museum
The Edgar Allan Poe Museum celebrates the life and legacy of America’s most famous literary genius. Located in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, this historical attraction features one of the world’s largest collections of original manuscripts, letters, first editions, memorabilia and personal belongings.
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There are three separate buildings at the museum, each focusing on different aspects of Poe’s life and works. Visitors can learn more about Poe’s upbringing in Virginia and his relationship with his cousin Virginia, who he married when she was 13 and he was 27.
Another building houses a collection of first editions, manuscripts and personal items that document Poe’s career. You’ll see rare editions of his works, letters from Poe to friends and family, and artifacts that document his life and death, including a walking stick, vest, and hair lock.
For kids, the museum offers a tabloid-style exhibition guide with games and puzzles designed to teach children about the author. The exhibit also features a black cat that will playfully interact with the visitor.
7. Mariner’s Museum and Park
The Mariners’ Museum and Park showcases over 32,000 artifacts that highlight the human race’s connection to the world’s waters. The gallery space is filled with rare figureheads, handcrafted ship models, Civil War ironclad USS Monitor artifacts and paintings that bring maritime history to life.
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The Museum also houses the International Small Craft Center that features many unique and intricate small craft from around the world. Guests can even see the ORACLE Team USA’s 72-foot racing yacht that won the 2013 America’s Cup.
Founded by Archer Milton Huntington in 1930, The Mariners’ Museum is one of the largest museums in North America and is officially recognized by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum. The Museum and its Library house the Western Hemisphere’s largest collection of maritime history.
Within the museum, visitors can also visit The USS Monitor Center that is home to the turret from the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor. Here, visitors can learn about the history of the ship in high-definition, walk on the full-scale Monitor replica, and take in a film that tells the story of the historic confrontation in minute detail.
Outside of the Museum, visitors can explore the 550-acre Mariners’ Museum Park which is free and open to the public. The park is a beautiful place to relax and spend time in nature with Lake Maury and the award-winning Noland Trail.