Virginia is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United
States. The state population is over eight million. Its geography and
climate are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay,
which are home to much of its flora and fauna. The area's history
begins with several indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In May
1607 the London Company established the Colony of Virginia as the first
permanent New World English colony. Virginia was one of the Thirteen
Colonies involved in the American Revolution. During the American Civil
War, Virginia joined the Confederate States of America, which named
Richmond its capital, and the state of West Virginia separated. The
Virginia General Assembly is the oldest legislature in the Americas,
and the state is unique for prohibiting governors from serving
consecutive terms. Virginia's economy is diversified with agriculture
in regions like the Shenandoah Valley, federal agencies in Northern
Virginia, and military facilities in Hampton Roads. The growth of the
media and technology sectors have made computer chips the leading
export, with the industry based on the strength of Virginia's public
schools and universities.
Read the rest of this article:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia>
_______________________________
Today's selected anniversaries:
1264:
Second Barons' War: King Henry III was defeated at the Battle of Lewes
and forced to sign the Mise of Lewes, making Simon de Montfort the de
facto ruler of England.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mise_of_Lewes>
1868:
Boshin War: Troops of the Tokugawa shogunate withdrew from the Battle
of Utsunomiya Castle and retreated north towards Nikkō and Aizu.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Utsunomiya_Castle>
1951:
Trains ran on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales for the first time since
its preservation, making it the first railway in the world to be
operated by volunteers.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talyllyn_Railway>
1955:
Cold War: Eight Eastern Bloc countries signed a mutual defense treaty
to establish the Warsaw Pact.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Pact>
1973:
The NASA space station Skylab was launched from Cape Canaveral.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skylab>
_____________________________
Wiktionary's word of the day:
dénouement (n):
The final revelation of a solution to a complicated mystery or
difficulty, especially as part of a dramatic plot
<http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/d%C3%A9nouement>
___________________________
Wikiquote quote of the day:
Is it not the interest of the human race, that every one should be so
taught and placed, that he would find his highest enjoyment to arise
from the continued practice of doing all in his power to promote the
well-being, and happiness, of every man, woman, and child, without
regard to their class, sect, party, country or colour?
--Robert Owen
<http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Robert_Owen>
Show replies by date