No visitor to Virginia leaves without learning something about the long, colorful and at times bloody history of the United States. Virginia is home to a wealth of landmarks and museums which are dedicated to events in the nation’s past, as well as to the country’s most illustrious historical figures.
Historic Jamestowne
The historic site in which the first colony of what was to become the United States of America is now a well-preserved archeological park in Virginia complete with exhibits, museum and building reconstructions. Visitors can easily spend an entire day in the park, with two of the best ways to absorb the history being walking or driving tours.
Address: 1368 Colonial Parkway on Jamestown Island, Jamestown, VA 23081
Phone: +1-757-229-4997
Website: http://www.historicjamestowne.org/
Mount Vernon Estate
The estate at Mount Vernon where America’s first president, George Washington, and his wife, Martha, lived is now a main attraction. It has educational centers, a museum, galleries, theaters, and interactive displays which include Washington’s actual dentures. The beautifully landscaped property holds the restored mansion and tombs of America’s first couple.
Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
Phone: +1-703-780-2000
Website: http://www.mountvernon.org/
Virginia Civil Rights Memorial
One of the best-known landmarks in Virginia commemorates civil rights hero Barbara Rose Johns. In 1951, 16-year old Johns led a protest advocating for equal education in Farmville, Virginia. Her subsequent legal suit became part of the historic Brown v. Board of Education case which saw the US Supreme Court effectively end racial segregation in American public schools.
Address: Capitol Square, Bank & 10th Streets, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: n/a
Website: http://www.vacivilrightsmemorial.org
Appomattox Court House and National Historical Park
Arguably the best place to learn about the American Civil War is the Appomattox Court House. The Virginia site commemorates the events of April 1865, which marked the end of one of the bloodiest chapters in US history. The walking tour includes a visit to the McLean House where General Lee of the Confederate Army and General Grant of the Union Army drafted the terms of the Confederacy's surrender.
Address: Highway 24, Appomattox, VA 24522
Phone: +1-434-352-8987
Website: http://www.nps.gov/apco
Grayson Highlands State Park
Virginia is a vast state with a number of scenic state parks, one of which is Grayson Highlands. Located within the Jefferson National Forest close to Virginia’s two highest peaks, Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, the park’s beautiful surroundings include a visitor center, campground, waterfalls, hiking trails, and bike paths.
Address: 829 Grayson Highlands Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
Phone: +1-800-933-7275
Website: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/gra.shtml
Kings Dominion
One of the largest amusement parks in Virginia is Kings Dominion, situated 20 miles north of the capital of Richmond and about 75 miles south of Washington DC. The 60 or so attractions include 14 roller coasters as well as a large water park, both of which help to make this 400-acre amusement park well worth a visit.
Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Phone: +1-804-876-5000
Website: http://www.kingsdominion.com