Virginia: The Old Dominion State

Virginia: The Old Dominion State — page 1
4 VIRGINIA INTRODUCTION Virginia secured its place in U S history when it became one of the original 13 states Although Virginia is nicknamed the Old Dominion State it is often referred to as the Birthplace of Presidents Virginia was home to numerous historical figures who participated in the creation and early development of the United States Virginians George Washington Thomas Jefferson James Madison and James Monroe helped found the country during their terms as the first third fourth and fifth presidents of the United States respectively Before becoming president of the United States George Washington was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution In 1787 he led the Constitutional Convention the meeting at which the Constitution of the United States was drafted Washington was unanimously elected the first president of the United States He Virginia is sometimes known as the Mother of States because eight other states were formed from its land Virginia’s state flag has been flown since the 1830s The flag features the state seal against a blue background and was officially adopted in 1930 was nicknamed Father of His Country for his work in creating the country’s system of government During the early 1800s the steamboat was an important method of transporting goods in Virginia The state’s official name is the Commonwealth of Virginia Three other states are considered commonwealth states Kentucky Massachusetts and Pennsylvania Commonwealth is an honorary title meaning for the common good