Celebrate VIRGINIA

Celebrate the Uniqueness of Virginia

The Old Dominion State Big Cities, Small Towns, State Symbols, Food, Culture & More!

Enrichment for Educational Snacks

Big Cities:

Virginia Beach Chesapeake Norfolk Richmond Newport News Alexandria Hampton Roanoke

Small Towns: Abingdon Middleburg Chincoteague

Counties: Fairfax Prince William Loudoun Chesterf ield Henrico Stafford

State Symbols: Cardinal Dogwood Dogwood Blossom American Foxhound Eastern Oyster Industr y: Shipbuilding Aerospace

Agriculture: Dairy Soybeans Corn Apples Tomatoes

Landmarks: Colonial National Historic Park Historic Jamestowne Chesapeake Bay James River Mount Rogers

Parks: Natural Bridge State Park Grayson Highlands State Park Kiptopeke State Park Shenandoah National Park Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Regions: Appalachian Plateau Valley & Ridge Blue Ridge Mountains Piedmont Tidewater Food & Culture: Blueg rass Music Civil Rights Brunswick Stew Seafood

Big Cities

BIG CITY

Virginia Beach Virginia Beach is the LARGEST city in Virginia with a population of over 455,000 people.

Virginia Beach is famous for its three-milelong boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean.

Virginia Beach was officially incorporated as a city of Virginia in 1963.

Virginia Beach is home to First Landing State Park, Virginia’s most visited state park.

English settlers first landed in present-day Virginia Beach in 1607.

Virginia Beach is known for its seafood.

Dolphins can often be spotted off the coast of Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools has around 65,000 students.

BIG CITY

Chesapeake Chesapeake is the 2nd largest city in Virginia with a population of over 250,000 people.

The city was named after the nearby

Chesapeake is known for its unique mix of neighborhoods, farmland, forests & wetlands.

Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake is known for being home to parts of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Chesapeake covers 350+ square miles.

Chesapeake became a city in 1963 when the City of South Norfolk & Norfolk County joined together.

Chesapeake Public Schools has around 40,000 students.

BIG CITY

Norfolk Norfolk is the 4th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 230,000 people.

Norfolk's harbor is one of the busiest natural harbors in the world.

Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base, Naval Station Norfolk.

Norfolk is located along the Chesapeake Bay & the Elizabeth River.

Norfolk’s official symbol is a mermaid, with many

colorful statues of mermaids found throughout the city.

Norfolk is a major center for shipping, trade and transportation.

Norfolk Public Schools has around 27,000 students.

CAPITAL CITY

Richmond Richmond is the 5th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 225,000 people.

Richmond became the capital city of Virginia in 1780, replacing Williamsburg.

Virginia’s State Capitol building was designed

by Thomas

The James River flows through Richmond, and its whitewater rapids make it the only U.S. city with Class IV urban rapids.

Jefferson.

Richmond has over

100 parks throughout the city.

Richmond is a city that offers a lot of outdoor adventure.

Richmond Public Schools has around 22,000 students.

BIG CITY

Newport News Newport News is the 6th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 184,000 people.

Newport News is world-famous for its Newport shipbuilding of aircraft carriers & submarines.

News is home to one of the largest municipal Newport parks in News’ the U.S., shipyard Newport has been News Park. building ships for Newport over News Park 135 years. covers

over 7,000 acres of forests, lakes and trails.

Newport News stretches about 23 miles along the James River.

Newport News Public Schools has around 25,500 students.

BIG CITY

Alexandria Alexandria is the 7th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 156,000 people.

Alexandria is known for its well-preserved historic district called Old Town Alexandria.

Alexandria was originally Alexandria's part of the Old Town District of Farmers' Columbia Market is before the oldest returning continuously to Virginia operating in 1846. farmers' Alexandria is market in located along the the U.S. Potomac River.

The Old Alexandria was Town Farmers’ established in 1749.

Market opened in 1753.

Alexandria City Public Schools has around 16,000 students.

BIG CITY

Hampton Hampton is the 8th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 135,000 people.

Hampton is known for being home the

NASA Langley Research Center.

Fort Monroe, one of the largest stone forts ever built in the U.S., is located in Hampton.

The NASA Langley Research Center is known for being NASA’s first

research center.

Hampton has around 60 miles of shoreline.

Hampton sits along Hampton City Schools has around 20,000 students.

Hampton Roads, one of the largest natural harbors in the world.

BIG CITY

Roanoke Roanoke is the 10th largest city in Virginia with a population of over 98,000 people.

Roanoke is famous for its giant illuminated Roanoke’s star that sits above the city on Mill Mountain. giant star earned the city its nickname, the "Star City Railroads of the South." played a major role in Roanoke’s growth as a city.

The Roanoke star was first lit on

November 23, 1949.

Roanoke was incorporated as a city in 1884.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation is located in downtown Roanoke.

Roanoke City Public Schools has around 14,000 students.

Small Towns

SMALL TOWN

Abingdon Abingdon is a small town in Virginia with a population of around 8,000 people.

Abingdon was established as a town in 1778.

Abingdon is known for being home to the Barter Theater, the official State Theater of Virginia.

The Barter Theater opened in 1933 & was officially named the State Theater of Virginia in 1946.

Abingdon’s

historic downtown is filled with buildings from the 1700s, 1800s & 1900s.

Abingdon is the county seat for Washington County.

Washington County Public Schools has over 6,700 students.

Before the town was named Abingdon, the area was known as “Wolf Hills.”

SMALL TOWN

Middleburg Middleburg is a small town in Virginia with a population of around 700 people.

Middleburg is known for its horse farms, equestrian sports & long tradition of foxhunting.

Middleburg is located in the heart of Virginia’s horse county Traditional & nicknamed foxhunting the “Nation’s involves Horse & Hunt riders on Capital.” horseback following a Many pack of people visit trained Middleburg foxhounds. for its

annual holiday parade.

Middleburg is part of Loudoun County.

Loudoun County Public Schools has around 80,000 students.

SMALL TOWN

Chincoteague Chincoteague is a small island town in Virginia with a population of around 3,250 people.

Chincoteague is famous for its wild ponies that live on nearby Assateague Island.

Thousands of people visit Chincoteague each year to see the

Chincoteague is surrounded by beaches, marshes and waterways.

famous Pony Swim.

BEACH

The Pony Swim has been a tradition for

over 100 years.

Chincoteague is a barrier island on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Chincoteague is a part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Accomack County Public Schools has around 4,600 students.

Counties

Fairfax COUNTY

Fairfax County is the most populated county in Virginia with over 1 million people.

Fairfax County is home to three incorporated towns, plus many communities & urban centers.

The three incorporated towns in Fairfax County are Vienna,

Herndon and Clifton.

Fairfax County’s Wolf Trap National Park, is the ONLY U.S. national park dedicated to the performing arts.

Fairfax County is part of the

Washington, D.C. metro area.

Fairfax County has 400+ parks.

Fairfax County Public Schools is the largest school district in Virginia with over 180,000 students.

Prince William COUNTY

Prince William County is the 2nd most populated county in Virginia.

Much of Prince William County’s waterfront is located along the Potomac & Occoquan Rivers.

Prince William County is a mix of waterfront, forests, busy communities and countryside.

Prince William County has four incorporated towns, Dumfries, Haymarket, Occoquan & Quantico.

Around 500,000 people live in Prince William County.

The county was named for Prince William, Duke of Cumberland.

Prince William County Public Schools has around 90,000 students.

Prince William County was formed in 1731.

Loudoun COUNTY

Loudoun County is the 3rd most populated county in Virginia.

Loudoun County is made up of 7 towns, busy communities, farmland, forests & mountains.

Around

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

450,000 people live in Loudoun County.

Loudoun County has a long

farming history and is especially known for its vineyards.

The western edge of Loudoun County is formed by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Loudoun County’s Goose Creek is a designated Virginia State Scenic River.

Loudoun County Public Schools has around 80,000 students.

Chesterfield COUNTY

Chesterfield County is the 4th most populated county in Virginia.

Chesterfield County is made up of busy communities, farmland, forests & riverfront.

Chesterfield County is known for its long

coal-mining history.

Virginia’s

FIRST railroad was built in Chesterfield County.

Chesterfield County is bordered in large part by two major rivers: the James & Appomattox River.

Around

400,000 people live in Chesterfield County.

Chesterfield County Public Schools has around 64,000 students.

Henrico COUNTY

Henrico County is the 5th most populated county in Virginia.

Henrico County was established in 1634.

Henrico County is a mix of busy communities, historic areas, parks and riverfront.

Henrico County is a designated “Tree City USA.”

Henrico County nearly wraps around Richmond, bordering the city on three sides.

Around 340,000 people live in Henrico County.

“hen-RYE-ko”

Henrico County's VarinaEnon Bridge crosses the James River.

Henrico County Public Schools has around 50,000 students.

Stafford COUNTY

Stafford County is the 6th most populated county in Virginia.

Stafford County is made up of several major waterways, busy communities and forests.

George Washington spent most of his childhood in Stafford County.

Stafford County’s Aquia Landing Park is a popular spot for kayaking, boating & fishing.

170,000+ people live in Stafford County.

Stafford County is known for its Aquia stone which helped build the White House and U.S. Capitol.

Stafford County Public Schools has around 32,000 students.

State Symbols

STATE BIRD

Cardinal Cardinals are the official state bird of Virginia.

The cardinal became the official state bird of Virginia in 1950.

Male cardinals are bright red, while females are pale brown with reddish tinges.

Cardinals commonly eat various seeds, berries & small insects.

BOTH male & female cardinals sing which is a rare trait in songbirds.

Cardinals are one of the first birds to start singing in the morning.

Cardinals are often called

“REDBIRDS . ” The cardinal is the state bird in 7 states.

Cardinals do not migrate long distances & can be found in Virginia year-round.

STATE TREE

Dogwood The flowering dogwood is the official state tree of Virginia.

The flowering dogwood became the official state tree of Virginia in 1956.

Dogwood trees are one of the first trees to bloom in the spring.

Dogwood trees can live for around 80 years.

Dogwood trees are In the fall, dogwood trees produce famous clusters of bright red berries. for their white or Dogwood trees provide pink spring shelter and nesting places for blossoms. birds and other wildlife.

Dogwood trees are native to Virginia.

Flowering dogwood trees grow to be around 20 - 30 feet tall.

STATE FLOWER

Dogwood Blossom The dogwood blossom is the official state flower of Virginia.

Dogwood blossoms are most commonly white or light pink with four petals.

The dogwood blossom became the official state flower of Virginia in 1918.

Dogwood blossoms grow on dogwood trees.

Dogwood trees are one of the first trees to bloom in the spring.

Dogwood blossoms are pollinated by bees, butterflies & other insects.

The “petals” on a dogwood blossom are actually special leaves called bracts.

The real flower part of a dogwood blossom is the yellow- Dogwood trees can green cluster in the center. be found Dogwood trees are throughout native to Virginia. the entire state of Virginia.

Dogwood blossoms are a symbol of spring!

STATE DOG

American Foxhound The American Foxhound is the official state dog of Virginia.

American Foxhounds are known for their loud, musical howls called “bays.”

The American Foxhound became the official state dog of Virginia in 1966.

The American Foxhound was developed as a breed in colonial Virginia 250+ years ago.

The American Foxhound is built for endurance and can run many miles at a time.

Daily exercise is very American important Foxhounds For the can run fast health & enough wellbeing of to keep up American with horses. Foxhounds.

American Foxhounds were bred to track & chase foxes using their incredible sense of smell.

Most American Foxhounds have a white-tipped tail.

STATE SHELL

Eastern Oyster The Eastern oyster is the official state shell of Virginia.

The Eastern oyster became the official state shell of Virginia in 1968.

Oysters are an important part of Virginia’s economy.

Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay is one of the most famous places in the world for Eastern oysters.

Oysters filter algae and tiny particles from the water, helping clean bays and estuaries.

A single adult oyster can filter

up to 50 gallons of water a day.

Eastern oysters live in salty and brackish waters along the Atlantic Coast.

Oysters grow together in large groups called oyster reefs.

Baby oysters are called “spat.”

The inside of an oyster shell has a smooth, shiny coating called

motherof-pearl.

Industry

Shipbuilding INDUSTRY

Shipbuilding is one of Virginia’s largest manufacturing industries.

Virginia is known for building some of the largest & most advanced ships for the U.S. Navy.

All U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are built in Virginia.

Most large ships are built one section at a time before being put together like a giant puzzle.

Virginia has been building ships for

more than 400 years.

Thousands of Virginians work in the shipbuilding industry.

Virginia is home to Newport News Shipbuilding, the largest shipbuilding company in the U.S. Modern shipbuilders use giant cranes to lift massive pieces of steel into place.

Aerospace INDUSTRY

Virginia is a leader in aerospace research, aviation innovation & space exploration.

Virginia's NASA Langley Research Center played an important role in the Apollo Moon missions.

Virginia is home to the NASA Langley Research Center, one of NASA's oldest research facilities.

The NASA Langley Research Center opened in Hampton, Virginia in 1917.

Virginia has a commercial spaceport called the MidAtlantic Regional Spaceport, located on Wallops Island.

Some of Virginia’s aerospace companies help build parts for commercial aircraft.

Spaceports are where rockets & satellites are launched into space.

Agriculture

VIRGINIA

Dairy Virginia produces around TWO BILLION pounds of milk per year.

Rockingham County is the leading dairy county in Virginia.

Virginia is home to around 450 dairy farms & 90,000 dairy cows.

Holstein cows are the ones with unique black & white spots!

Most of Virginia’s dairy farms are family-owned.

Many Virginia dairy farms grow their own feed crops like corn, hay and alfalfa for their cows.

YUM! The average Virginia dairy cow produces 6-8 gallons of milk per day.

Holstein cows are the most popular dairy cow breed in Virginia.

VIRGINIA

Soybeans Soybeans are one of Virginia's most valuable agricultural crops.

Most soybeans grown in Virgina are field

Most soybeans in Virginia are grown in the eastern & southeastern parts of the state.

Virginia grown soybeans are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.

soybeans.

Field soybeans are grown to be processed into foods, animal feed & other products.

One acre of soybeans can produce over 82,000 crayons!

“Miracle Bean”

Soybeans are a type of legume, which means they grow in pods.

Each soybean pod has 2 - 4 beans inside.

Soybeans that are eaten fresh are called edamame.

VIRGINIA

Corn

Corn is one of Virginia’s most important field crops.

Sweet corn is grown for human consumption.

The majority of corn grown in Virginia is field corn.

Virginia sweet corn is grown at a much smaller scale than field corn.

Field corn (also called Corn is dent corn) considered is mainly a used for vegetable, animal feed. fruit AND a grain!

Virginia corn is usually harvested from late summer through early fall.

Corn is the

number 1 field crop in America.

Virginia harvests

tens of million bushels of corn per year.

Most of Virgina's corn is grown in the eastern & central parts of the state.

VIRGINIA

Apples Virginia is the sixth largest apple producing state in the U.S. Most of Virginia’s apple orchards are located in the Shenandoah Valley.

Winchester is known as the “Apple Capital of Virginia” & hosts an apple blossom festival each spring.

Frederick County grows more apples than any other county in Virginia.

Apples are one of the most

DELICIOUS!

valuable fruit crops grown in Virginia.

Millions of bushels of apples are grown each year throughout Virginia.

Most of Virginia’s apples are harvested from late summer through the fall.

VIRGINIA

Tomatoes Virginia is a top ten tomato producing state in the U.S. Virginia's Eastern Shore is the state's largest region for growing commercial tomatoes.

Large slicing tomatoes are the most common type of tomato grown in Virginia.

Virginia’s Hanover County is famous for their tomatoes and hosts an annual

tomato festival!

Virginia farms harvest over 2,000 acres of fresh-market tomatoes each year.

Virginia tomatoes are in peak season from July through September.

Most of Virginia's tomatoes are grown on family-owned farms.

Landmarks

Colonial

NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK Colonial National Historical Park preserves important places from America’s early history.

Colonial National Historical Park is home to Jamestown, Yorktown & the Colonial Parkway.

Jamestown Colonial was the first Parkway is a permanent scenic, 23English mile road settlement connecting in North Jamestown, America.

Williamsburg & Yorktown.

Colonial National Historical Park is partially bordered by two rivers: the

James River & the York River.

Colonial National Historical Park covers 8,000+ acres.

Yorktown is where the last major battle of the American Revolution took place.

Colonial National Historical Park was established in 1930.

Historic Jamestowne Historic Jamestowne was the first permanent English settlement in North America.

More than 100 English settlers arrived to Jamestowne aboard three ships in 1607.

The voyage from England to Virginia took over four months.

The three ships that sailed from England to Jamestowne were the

The first documented English

women arrived at Jamestowne in 1608.

Jamestowne was named after King James I of England.

Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery.

Jamestowne is located on an island along the James River in southeastern Virginia.

Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S. Estuaries are where fresh water from rivers & streams mix with salt water from the ocean.

Chesapeake Bay is famous for their

blue crabs and Eastern oysters.

Chesapeake Bay is a popular place for sailing & boating.

More than 150 rivers & streams flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia is home to the Chesapeake Bay BridgeTunnel, an 18-mile Virginia has hundreds of miles of shoreline along crossing that goes the Chesapeake Bay. over & Bridge-Tunnel under the Chesapeake Bay!

James River The James River is Virginia's longest river, stretching about 348 miles.

Several of Virginia's

The James River flows from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

largest cities were built along the James River.

The James River begins where the

The James River provides

drinking water for many communities in Virginia.

The James River was originally called the Powhatan River.

Cowpasture & Jackson Rivers meet.

The James River Park System protects more than

600 acres of parks and trails along the river.

The James River flows entirely within the state of Virginia.

Mount Rogers Mount Rogers is the highest mountain peak in Virginia at 5,729 feet above sea level.

Mt. Rogers is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains which are part of the Appalachian Mountains.

Mount Rogers is surrounded by the

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

Mount Rogers is named after Virginia geologist, William Barton Rogers.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area was established in 1966 to help protect the region's mountains, forests, streams and wildlife.

Mount Rogers National recreation Area is home to 500+ miles of hiking, biking & horseback riding trails.

Parks

Natural Bridge STATE PARK

Natural Bridge State Park covers more than 1,500 acres of forests, streams & mountains.

The Natural Bridge is a giant

The park’s Natural Bridge is one of Virginia’s most famous natural landmarks.

rock arch that stands about 215 feet tall.

Natural Bridge State Park is one of Virginia's newest state parks, opening in 2016.

The Natural Bridge formed when an

underground cave collapsed.

Cedar Creek Trail is one of the park's most popular hiking trails.

5 MILES 2 MILES

The Natural Bridge was named a National Historic Landmark in 1998.

Grayson Highlands STATE PARK

Grayson Highlands State Park covers 4,500+ acres of mountains, forests & meadows.

The wild ponies help preserve Grayson Highlands’ open mountain meadows by grazing on grasses & shrubs.

Grayson Highlands State Park is famous for its wild ponies that roam the grassy highlands.

MOUNT ROGERS

Grayson Highlands State Park is one of the easiest places to begin a hike to Virginia's highest mountain peak, Mount Rogers.

Grayson Highland State Park’s forests are filled with Grayson Highlands State Park was established in 1965. spruce, fir, oak & maple Camping is trees. one of the park's most popular activities.

Kiptopeke STATE PARK

Kiptopeke State Park covers 562 acres of beaches, forests, ponds, wetlands & trails.

Kiptopeke is known for its "Concrete Fleet” nine concrete ships located just offshore.

The Concrete Fleet creates a breakwater, protecting Kiptopeke’s shoreline from large waves.

Kiptopeke State Park is located on Virginia's Eastern Shore along the Chesapeake Bay. The name "Kiptopeke" means "Big Water" in the Algonquian language.

Kiptopeke State Park was established in 1992.

Kiptopeke State Park sits along the Atlantic Flyway, a major migration route used by millions of birds every year.

Kiptopeke State Park is home to a 24/7 lighted fishing pier.

Shenandoah NATIONAL PARK

Shenandoah National Park protects 200,000+ acres of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Shenandoah National Park is home to forests, mountains, streams & diverse wildlife.

Shenandoah Shenandoah National National Park is known Park is known for Skyline for its Drive, a 105black bear mile scenic population. road that runs the entire length of the park.

Skyline Drive has 75 scenic overlooks.

APPALACHIAN

TRAIL

Over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail pass through Shenandoah National Park.

Over 500 miles of hiking trails wind through Shenandoah National Park.

Great Dismal Swamp NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge protects over 112,000 acres of land.

A National Wildlife Refuge is a protected place that conserves plants, animals & their natural habitats.

The Great Dismal Swamp is one of the largest natural wetlands in the eastern U.S. Great Dismal Swamp is home to

Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia.

Great Dismal Swamp was established as a National Wildlife Refuge The swamp is part of the Atlantic Flyway. in 1974.

Wildlife Refuge

The swamp is home to many different kinds of animals, from bobcats & river otters to turtles & ducks.

Regions

Appalachian Plateau Virginia’s Appalachian Plateau Region is the smallest region in the state.

Virginia’s Appalachian Plateau Region is made up of rugged hills and valleys.

This region is known for Appalachian culture, bluegrass music and mountain traditions.

Much of this region is covered with thick forests filled with oak, maple, hickory & pine trees.

Virginia's Appalachian Plateau Region shares borders with Kentucky & West Virginia.

This region is home to some of Virginia’s most remote landscapes.

Coal mining has been an important part of this region for more than 100 years.

Valley & Ridge Virginia’s Valley & Ridge Region is named for its long mountain ridges & wide valleys.

Many of Virginia’s farms are located in the Valley & Ridge Region because the valleys have very rich soil.

The Valley & Ridge Region stretches from southwest Virginia to northern Virginia.

The Valley & Ridge Region is home to forests, rivers, caves and farmland.

Valleys are the low areas of land between mountains.

The Valley & Ridge Region is home to Virginia’s famous

Shenandoah Valley.

The Valley & Ridge Region’s mountain ridges are a part of the Appalachian Mountains.

Blue Ridge Mountains The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch through western Virginia & several other states.

Mount Rogers is the highest point in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain at 5,729 feet above sea level.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for their bluish color when viewed from a distance.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range.

Blue Ridge Parkway goes through the Blue Ridge Mountains which is often called “America’s Favorite Drive.”

Millions of people visit the Blue Ridge Mountains every year.

Piedmont Virginia’s Piedmont Region is known rolling hills, forests, rivers & farmland.

The word "Piedmont" comes from an Italian word meaning "foot of the mountain."

Virginia's Piedmont Region is located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Coastal Plain Region.

Many of Virginia’s largest farms are located in the Piedmont Region.

Richmond, Virginia’s capital city is located in the Piedmont Region.

Many of Virginia’s major rivers flow through the Piedmont Region.

PIEDMONT

The Piedmont Region is home to Virginia's

famous horse country.

Tidewater Virginia’s Tidewater Region is the only coastal region in the state.

Vigrinia’s Tidewater Region is where the land meets the Chesapeake Bay & the Atlantic Ocean.

The Tidewater Region got its name from the The ocean tides Tidewater affecting its Region is rivers, bays, & creeks. known for its beaches, marshes, rivers, & wetlands.

Many of Virginia's Tidewater Region rivers have both fresh & salty ocean water.

The Tidewater Region is also called the

Coastal Plain Region.

Virginia Beach, the state's largest city by population, is located in the Tidewater Region.

Food & Culture

Bluegrass Music Virginia has a long history of bluegrass music in its mountains, valleys & small towns.

Bluegrass music is a style of folk music known for its fast rhythms & string instruments.

Bluegrass music got its name from the Blue Grass Boys, a band led by Bill Monroe.

Bluegrass music originated in the Appalachian Mountains, making it especially popular in the western part of Virginia.

Bluegrass music became popular across the U.S. during the 1940s.

Virginia hosts many bluegrass music festivals.

Flatpicking guitar is an important style in bluegrass music.

n u o M “

in a t

c” i us M

Bluegrass music often uses instruments like banjos, fiddles, mandolins, guitars & upright basses.

Civil Rights Virginia played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s & 1960s.

Civil rights are about equality,

Virginia is known for its student-led strike for equal educational opportunities.

Virginia’s student-led strike was led by 16-yearold Barbara Johns.

fairness and justice for ALL people.

Robert Russa Moton High School, where Virginia’s famous student strike began, is now preserved as a museum.

= Young people can make a difference!

Virginia's history reminds us that courage & peaceful action can help create positive change.

Virginia’s Civil Rights Memorial, located in Richmond, VA honors the students who stood up for equal education.

Brunswick Stew Brunswick stew is one of Virginia’s most famous traditional dishes.

Brunswick stew has been a Virginia favorite for

nearly 200 years.

Many people believe Brunswick stew was first made in Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1828.

Brunswick stew is most commonly made with meat, vegetables & a tomato-based sauce.

Corn, lima beans, tomatoes & onions are some of the most popular vegetables used in Brunswick stew.

Brunswick stew is known for being thick & hearty.

Brunswick stew is known for being so thick that a spoon can stand straight up in the pot.

Brunswick stew is cooked slowly for many hours.

Delicious!

Seafood Virginia is famous for its seafood from the Chesapeake Bay & Atlantic Ocean.

Blue crabs and eastern oysters are Virginia's most valuable seafood catches.

Virginia is home to eight recognized oyster-growing regions, called oyster terroirs.

Striped bass, also called rockfish, is one of the most popular types of fish caught in Virginia.

Virginia watermen catch dozens of different kinds of seafood.

Seafood is a very important part of Virginia's culture & economy.

Virginia watermen use crab pots, oyster tongs, dredges & fishing nets to harvest seafood.

Virginia's seafood harvest changes with the seasons

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Helping kids eat right, do well in school & be proud of where they are from.