Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state located in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Situated between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia's capital is Richmond, while its most populous city is Virginia Beach. However, Fairfax County, a part of Northern Virginia, holds the largest population segment, accounting for over a third of the state's 8.72 million residents.
1902: Virginia Constitutional Convention
In 1902, amidst the rising tide of white supremacy, the Virginia Constitutional Convention instituted a new state constitution that included measures like poll taxes and stringent voter registration rules, effectively disenfranchising most African Americans and many poor whites.
1905: Start of Period with Restricted Voter Registration in Virginia
From 1905 to 1948, Virginia saw extremely restricted voter registration, with roughly one-third of votes being cast by state employees and officeholders, resulting in voter turnout regularly falling below ten percent.
1906: Employment-at-Will Law
Virginia became an employment-at-will state in 1906.
1907: Newport News Shipbuilding Expansion
Between 1907 and 1923, Newport News Shipbuilding played a critical role in bolstering the US Navy's fleet by constructing a significant number of dreadnoughts, battleships, and destroyers.
July 1919: Red Summer Attack in Norfolk
In July 1919, during the Red Summer, a homecoming parade in Norfolk meant to honor returning African American troops was attacked by the city's police, highlighting the escalating racial tensions and violence of the era.
1923: Newport News Shipbuilding Expansion
Between 1907 and 1923, Newport News Shipbuilding played a critical role in bolstering the US Navy's fleet by constructing a significant number of dreadnoughts, battleships, and destroyers.
1930: Official Adoption of State Seal and Flag
Virginia officially adopted its state seal and flag in 1930, formalizing symbols with historical roots.
1932: Byrd Road Act
The Byrd Road Act, passed in 1932, gave the Virginia state government control over most of the state's roads, a departure from the common practice of county-level authority in other states.
1935: Shenandoah National Park Established
Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935, encompassing the scenic Skyline Drive. The park protects a significant area of wilderness in the state.
1935: Old Time Fiddlers' Convention
The Old Time Fiddlers' Convention in Galax, Virginia, which began in 1935, is one of the oldest and largest events of its kind worldwide.
1940: "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" Named State Song
The song "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" was designated as the state song of Virginia in 1940.
1947: "Right to Work" Law
Virginia adopted "right to work" legislation in 1947.
1948: Barter Theatre Award
The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, designated the State Theatre of Virginia, won the first Regional Theatre Tony Award in 1948.
1948: End of Period with Restricted Voter Registration in Virginia
From 1905 to 1948, Virginia saw extremely restricted voter registration, with roughly one-third of votes being cast by state employees and officeholders, resulting in voter turnout regularly falling below ten percent.
1951: Barbara Johns Leads School Protests
In 1951, Barbara Rose Johns, a high school student in Farmville, Virginia, sparked a pivotal movement by leading protests against the underfunding and inadequate conditions of segregated schools, an act that would contribute to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
1952: Start of Republican Dominance in Virginia Presidential Elections
Between 1952 and 2004, Virginia predominantly voted for Republican presidential candidates, highlighting a period of strong Republican support in the state.
1954: Brown v. Board of Education Ruling
The year 1954 witnessed a landmark decision in the fight against racial segregation in education: Brown v. Board of Education. This ruling declared the doctrine of "separate but equal" unconstitutional, paving the way for desegregation efforts across the nation.
1956: Implementation of Massive Resistance
Virginia's powerful segregationist Senator Harry F. Byrd and his Byrd Organization spearheaded the implementation of "massive resistance" in 1956, a policy designed to obstruct school integration by denying state and private funding to desegregated local schools.
September 1958: School Closures Under Massive Resistance
In September 1958, as part of the "massive resistance" policy against desegregation, many school districts in Virginia began to close down their schools rather than integrate, highlighting the intense opposition to the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.
February 2, 1959: Integration of Schools in Arlington and Norfolk
On February 2, 1959, a pivotal moment in Virginia's history unfolded as the first Black students, known as the Norfolk 17, integrated schools in Arlington and Norfolk, marking a significant step towards desegregation.
June 1959: Prince Edward County School Closure
Prince Edward County, Virginia, took an extreme measure in June 1959 by closing their entire county school system to avoid integration, a decision that left a lasting impact on the community and underscored the resistance to desegregation.
1960: Agriculture in Virginia
The number of farms in Virginia in 2021 was half the number that existed in 1960.
1961: CIA Moves to Langley
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) relocated its headquarters to Langley, Virginia, in 1961. This move, driven by the agency's expansion during the Cold War and a National Security Council decision to situate it outside Washington, D.C., established Langley as a central hub for US intelligence operations.
June 1964: Passage of the Civil Rights Act
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a watershed moment in the fight for racial equality in the United States. This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, effectively dismantling the legal framework of Jim Crow.
1964: Reopening of Prince Edward County Schools
After years of closure, in 1964, the Supreme Court ordered Prince Edward County to reopen its public schools and implement integration, leading to their reopening that September and marking a victory for the Civil Rights Movement.
1964: Davis v. Mann U.S. Supreme Court Decision
The 1964 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Davis v. Mann ordered Virginia to end its practice of malapportionment, which had been used to manipulate representation in the General Assembly.
August 1965: Passage of the Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act of August 1965 aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote under the 15th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
1965: Wilkins v. Davis Virginia Supreme Court Decision
The 1965 Virginia Supreme Court decision in Wilkins v. Davis ordered an end to malapportionment in the state, a practice that had been used to manipulate representation in the U.S. Congress.
1965: Passage of the Voting Rights Act
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, leading to the overturn of Jim Crow laws that had disenfranchised African Americans in Virginia and requiring the state to receive federal approval for changes to voting laws until 2013.
1965: Reverse Migration of Black Americans
A reverse migration of Black Americans back to the South began in 1965, following the Great Migration to northern industrial cities in the first half of the 20th century.
June 1967: Loving v. Virginia
In June 1967, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Loving v. Virginia, striking down the state's ban on interracial marriage and marking a significant victory for racial equality and individual rights.
1968: Commission to Rewrite the State Constitution
In 1968, Governor Mills Godwin took a significant step towards modernizing Virginia's legal framework by calling for a commission to rewrite the state constitution. This initiative aimed to eliminate outdated and discriminatory provisions and align the constitution with the advancements made in civil rights.
1968: Beginning of Republican Winning Streak in Virginia
Virginia's support for Republican presidential candidates from 1968 to 2004 demonstrated a significant period of Republican dominance in the state's political landscape.
1969: Hurricane Camille
In 1969, Hurricane Camille, one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the United States, caused significant devastation in Virginia. The storm's torrential rains led to widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in inland Nelson County, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives. Camille serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness.
1970: The Southern Strategy and Virginia Politics
Around 1970, the Republican Party's "southern strategy" led to a shift in Virginia politics, with rural southern and western areas beginning to support Republicans.
1970: Seventh Constitution of Virginia
Voters approved the seventh Constitution of Virginia in 1970.
June 1971: New Virginia Constitution
A new era in Virginia began in June 1971 when a new state constitution, drafted to eliminate discriminatory provisions and align with federal law, took effect. This constitution, passed with overwhelming public support, reflected the progress made in civil rights and set the stage for a more inclusive future.
July 1971: Seventh Constitution of Virginia
The seventh Constitution of Virginia went into effect in July 1971 after being approved by voters in 1970.
1971: Revision of the Virginia Constitution
Virginia revised its constitution in 1971, removing many Jim Crow provisions but leaving a lifetime ban on voting for felony convictions unchanged.
1977: Black Majority in Richmond City Council
In 1977, a significant shift in political representation occurred in Richmond, Virginia, as Black members gained a majority in the city council, reflecting the city's changing demographics and the growing influence of the African American community in local politics.
1980: Shifting Demographics and Voting Patterns in Virginia
From 1980 onward, the majority of women in Virginia began supporting Democratic presidential candidates. This year also marked a point when 44% of eligible voters were born outside of Virginia.
1981: English Declared as Official Language
Statutes passed in 1981 declared English as the official language of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
1982: Uranium Mining Ban
Driven by environmental and public health concerns, Virginia implemented a ban on uranium mining in 1982. This decision, which has faced legal challenges reaching the US Supreme Court, underscores the state's commitment to protecting its natural resources and the well-being of its citizens, even in the face of potential economic benefits from mining.
1982: Resumption of Capital Punishment in Virginia
Virginia resumed capital punishment in 1982, after a period of non-use, and executed 113 people between then and the abolishment of the death penalty in 2021.
1987: Moratorium on City Annexations in Virginia
In 1987, Virginia implemented a moratorium preventing cities from annexing land from counties. This followed a period in the 1950s when cities, particularly those around Norfolk and Portsmouth, expanded by absorbing suburban areas.
1989: Douglas Wilder Elected Governor
Douglas Wilder made history in 1989 when he became the first African American elected governor in the United States. Wilder's victory in Virginia, a state with a long history of segregation and racial discrimination, was a momentous achievement in the ongoing fight for racial equality and representation in American politics.
1989: School Segregation Measure
In 1989, only three percent of Virginia's public schools were classified as "intensely segregated" according to The Civil Rights Project at UCLA.
1990: Racial Demographics Shift
In 1990, non-Hispanic whites made up 76% of Virginia's population.
1992: Bobby Scott Elected to Congress
In 1992, Bobby Scott became the first Black congressman from Virginia since 1888, marking a historic moment in Virginia's political landscape and highlighting the growing representation of African Americans in state and national politics.
1992: Appalachian Cottontail Recognized as Distinct Species
In 1992, the Appalachian cottontail, a type of rabbit found in Virginia, was officially recognized as a distinct species. This recognition highlighted the biodiversity within the state.
1993: Virginia's U.S. House Seats Set at Eleven
Since 1993, Virginia has had eleven seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
1993: Richmond Kickers' Historic Achievement
The Richmond Kickers, a USL League One soccer team, achieved a remarkable feat in 1993 by becoming the only team in their league's history to secure both the league championship and the U.S. Open Cup in the same year.
1993: Start of Hokies Football Bowl Streak
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team embarked on an impressive 27-year bowl game streak, starting in 1993.
1995: Abolition of Prisoner Parole in Virginia
Prisoner parole was ended in Virginia in 1995.
1996: Reaffirmation of English as Official Language
The designation of English as Virginia's official language was reaffirmed by statutes in 1996, although it is not mandated by the state's constitution.
1997: Retirement of "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny"
Due to its controversial references to slavery and its nostalgic portrayal of the past, Virginia retired "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" as its state song in 1997.
1998: Haze in Blue Ridge Mountains Peaks
In 1998, haze in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains reached its highest recorded levels. This coincided with a peak in the number of days with unhealthy levels of ozone pollution in Fairfax County.
2000: Beginning of Rapid Hispanic Population Growth
The year 2000 marked the beginning of a period of rapid growth for Virginia's Hispanic population.
2000: Peak Car Usage
Virginia reached its peak car usage before the year 2000, becoming one of the earliest states to experience this trend.
2000: Increase in Special Sessions of the Virginia General Assembly
Since 2000, there have been twenty special sessions called in the Virginia General Assembly, typically for legislation on preselected issues.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks on the Pentagon
On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in its history when the Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, was struck by a hijacked airplane, resulting in the tragic loss of 189 lives and marking a turning point in American history.
2003: High Particulate Matter Levels in Virginia
In 2003, the level of particulate matter in Virginia's air was measured at 13.5 micrograms per cubic meter. At this time, coal accounted for almost half of Virginia's electricity generation.
2004: End of Republican Dominance in Virginia Presidential Elections
From 1968 to 2004, Virginia consistently voted for Republican presidential candidates, marking a decade-long trend that ended with the shift towards Democratic candidates in subsequent elections.
2004: James Madison Dukes' First FCS Championship
The James Madison Dukes football team celebrated a significant victory in 2004 by securing their first FCS NCAA Championship title.
November 2006: Episcopal Church Split
In November 2006, fifteen conservative Episcopal churches in Virginia voted to secede from the Diocese of Virginia. The split was driven by disagreements over the ordination of openly gay bishops and clergy in other dioceses.
2006: Computer Chips as Top Export
Computer chips became Virginia's top-grossing export in 2006.
2006: Democratic Victory in Virginia's U.S. Senate Race
In 2006, Democrat Jim Webb won Virginia's U.S. Senate race against incumbent Republican George Allen.
2007: Virginia Tech Shooting
In 2007, Virginia Tech was the scene of a horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of 32 people, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in US history. The tragedy shocked the nation and sparked renewed debates about gun control and mental health.
2008: Shift in Virginia's Presidential Voting Patterns
The 2008 presidential election marked a turning point in Virginia politics, as the state's thirteen electoral votes went to the Democratic candidate, a trend that continued in subsequent elections, suggesting a shift towards Democrats in presidential races.
2008: Start of Period for Analysis of Drug-Related Arrests in Virginia
An analysis of drug-related arrests in Virginia began in 2008 and continued through 2017, revealing a 38% increase in arrests, with 71% of those related to marijuana offenses.
2008: Mandatory HPV Vaccination
In 2008, Virginia became the first state in the U.S. to mandate the HPV vaccine for girls as a requirement for school attendance.
2008: Mark Warner Becomes U.S. Senator
Democrat Mark Warner, former governor of Virginia, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008, replacing retiring Republican John Warner.
2009: Rising Suicide and Drug Overdose Rates
Between 2009 and 2023, suicide rates in Virginia saw a concerning increase of over 14%, while deaths attributed to drug overdoses more than doubled during the same period.
2009: Last Republican Gubernatorial Win Before 2021
Prior to Glenn Youngkin's victory in 2021, the last time a Republican won the Virginia governor's race was in 2009.
2009: Signature Theatre Award
The Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia won the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2009.
January 2010: Smoking Ban and Tobacco Use Trends
Virginia implemented a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants in January 2010. Consequently, the percentage of tobacco smokers in the state declined from 19% in 2010 to 12.1% in 2023. However, e-cigarette use rose to 7.7%.
2010: Conclusion of Rapid Hispanic Population Growth
By 2010, Virginia's Hispanic population had increased by 92% from its 2000 level.
2010: Previous Census Data Used for Comparison
Data from the 2010 census was used as a benchmark to measure population growth and demographic changes in Virginia.
2010: Republican Gains in Virginia's U.S. House Delegation
During the 2010 midterm elections, Republicans flipped three U.S. House seats in Virginia (2nd, 5th, and 9th) from Democratic control.
2010: Richmond Flying Squirrels Debut
The Richmond Flying Squirrels, a Double-A baseball team, began their journey at The Diamond in 2010.
August 23, 2011: Mineral, Virginia Earthquake
On August 23, 2011, a significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 struck near Mineral, Virginia, making it the largest earthquake in the Commonwealth in at least a century. The quake's impact was felt across a wide area, extending from Northern Florida to Southern Ontario, highlighting the unexpected seismic activity that can occur even in relatively stable regions.
2011: Republican Supermajority in Virginia House of Delegates
In the 2011 Virginia state elections, Republicans gained a supermajority in the House of Delegates for the first time, a majority they maintained in the 2015 elections.
2012: Tim Kaine Elected to U.S. Senate
Former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, a Democrat, won the state's U.S. Senate race in 2012, succeeding Jim Webb.
2013: Terry McAuliffe's Gubernatorial Victory
Democrat Terry McAuliffe was elected governor of Virginia in 2013 during Barack Obama's second term as president, bucking the trend of Virginians electing governors from the party opposite the U.S. president.
2013: Start of Negative Net Migration
In 2013, Virginia began experiencing a period of negative net migration, with more people leaving the state than moving in.
2013: Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights Act
The system for determining which states needed federal preclearance for voting law changes under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013.
2014: BBC America Study on American Accents
A 2014 study conducted by BBC America identified the Piedmont region's non-rhotic dialect as one of the most recognizable accents in American English.
2014: Small Business Friendliness Survey
A 2014 survey of 12,000 small business owners found Virginia to be among the most small business-friendly states.
2014: Implementation of Strict Photo ID Requirement for Voting in Virginia
A strict photo identification requirement for voting was implemented in Virginia under Governor Bob McDonnell in 2014.
2014: Religious Demographics of Virginia
As of 2014, Baptists constituted the largest religious group in Virginia, comprising over a quarter of the population.
2014: Representation of Different Christian Denominations
As of 2014, the United Methodist Church accounted for about 6% of Virginians, Pentecostals made up around 5%, and Presbyterians represented roughly 3% of the population. The Lutheran Church, Congregational churches, and Episcopalians each constituted less than 2%.
March 2015: New State Songs for Virginia
In March 2015, Virginia adopted new state songs, designating "Our Great Virginia," set to the tune of "Oh Shenandoah," as the traditional state song and "Sweet Virginia Breeze" as the popular state song.
2015: Popularity of Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies
A 2015 poll revealed that a significant portion of Virginians were avid fans of college sports, with 34% supporting the Virginia Cavaliers and 28% cheering for the rival Virginia Tech Hokies, surpassing the popularity of regional professional teams.
2015: Low Voter Turnout in Virginia Elections
The 2011 and 2015 Virginia state elections saw the lowest voter turnout in recent history, with 28.6% and 29.1% of registered voters participating respectively.
January 2016: January 2016 Blizzard
In January 2016, Virginia experienced a significant snowstorm that brought record-breaking snowfall to parts of the state. Near Bluemont, a remarkable 36.6 inches (93 cm) of snow fell in a single day, the highest one-day snowfall ever recorded in Virginia, highlighting the state's vulnerability to winter weather events.
2016: James Madison Dukes' Second FCS Championship
The James Madison Dukes football team continued their winning ways in 2016, capturing their second FCS NCAA Championship title.
2016: World's Largest Data Center Market
Northern Virginia emerged as the world's largest data center market in 2016.
2016: End of Lifetime Voting Ban for Felons in Virginia
Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia ended the state's lifetime ban on voting for felony convictions in 2016 and individually restored voting rights to over 200,000 ex-felons.
August 2017: Charlottesville Car Attack
In August 2017, Charlottesville, Virginia, became the site of a horrific act of domestic terrorism when a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters who had gathered to oppose a rally organized by white nationalists. The attack resulted in the death of one person and numerous injuries, highlighting the growing threat of white supremacy and extremism in the United States.
2017: Start of Period for Analysis of Dog Attacks in U.S. Prisons
A period of analysis on dog attacks in U.S. prisons began in 2017, revealing that a disproportionate number of these attacks, 90%, occurred in Virginia prisons between 2017 and 2022.
2017: Proposed NBA Arena in Virginia Beach Loses Support
A proposed plan to build a $220 million NBA arena in Virginia Beach faced a setback in 2017 when it lost crucial support from the city council.
2017: Business Ownership Demographics
In 2017, of the 144,431 registered non-farm businesses in Virginia, 59.4% were majority male-owned, 22% were majority female-owned, 19.6% were majority minority-owned, and 8.9% were veteran-owned.
2017: Democratic Gains in Virginia Elections
The 2017 Virginia state elections resulted in Democrats winning all three executive offices, with Ralph Northam becoming governor. Democrats also flipped 15 seats in the House of Delegates, narrowing the Republican majority.
2017: Blue Ridge Rock Festival
The Blue Ridge Rock Festival has operated since 2017 at the Blue Ridge Amphitheater in Pittsylvania County, Virginia.
2017: Tourism in Virginia
Virginia saw 1.1 million international tourists in 2018, a five percent increase from 2017.
2018: Tourism in Virginia
Tourism in Virginia generated $26 billion in 2018, an increase of 4.4% from the previous year. The state ranked eighth nationwide in domestic travel spending, with Arlington County as the top destination.
2018: Federal Recognition of Six Virginia Tribes
In 2018, six Virginia tribes gained federal recognition following the passage of a bill named in honor of activist Thomasina Jordan. This brought the total number of federally recognized tribes in the state to seven.
2018: Democratic Gains in Virginia's U.S. House Delegation
In the 2018 midterm elections, Democrats gained three U.S. House seats in Virginia (2nd, 7th, and 10th).
2018: State Government Median Income
In 2018, the median income for state government employees in Virginia was $52,401.
2018: Pew Center Study on State Government Finances
In 2018, the Pew Center on the States released a study that found Virginia's government to be above average in running surpluses.
2018: Population Growth in Northern Virginia
As of 2018, Roanoke City and Montgomery County in western Virginia had each surpassed populations of 100,000. This growth highlighted the increasing urbanization in parts of the state.
2018: Gerrymandering and Control of the Virginia House
During the 2018-2019 legislative session, Republicans held a slim 51-49 majority in the Virginia House of Delegates despite receiving only 44.5% of the total vote, leading to Virginia being ranked as having the most gerrymandered legislature in the U.S.
2018: Newspaper Circulation
As of 2018, the most circulated native newspapers in Virginia were The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) with about 132,000 subscribers, the Richmond Times-Dispatch with 86,219 subscribers, and The Roanoke Times.
2018: Virginia Prison System Data
As of 2018, Virginia's prison system had 30,936 incarcerated people, with Black individuals representing 53% of the prison population. The state had the sixteenth-highest incarceration rate in the country, at 422 per 100,000 residents.
2018: Amazon HQ2 Selection
Amazon selected Crystal City, Virginia, for its HQ2 in 2018.
2018: Virginia Department of Transportation Road Management
By 2018, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) owned and managed 57,867 miles of the state's total 70,105 miles of roads, ranking it as the third largest state highway system in the United States.
2019: Traffic Woes in Virginia
In 2019, Virginia faced significant traffic challenges, ranking among the worst in the nation for traffic congestion and commute times, according to the American Community Survey.
2019: Medicare Expansion Impact
Virginia's expansion of Medicare in 2019 contributed to a reduction in the number of uninsured residents in the state.
2019: End of Hokies Football Bowl Streak & UVA's National Title
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team's long-standing 27-year bowl game streak came to an end in 2019. Meanwhile, the University of Virginia's men's athletics programs clinched the national Capital One Cup in the same year.
2019: U.S. Census Data on Languages Spoken in Virginia
The U.S. Census Bureau collected data in 2019 on languages spoken at home by Virginia residents aged five and older. The data revealed that 83.2% of this population spoke English as their first language, while 16.8% spoke a language other than English.
2019: Loudoun United FC Joins USL Championship
Loudoun United FC, the reserve team of D.C. United, made their debut in the USL Championship in 2019.
2019: Redistricting and Democratic Control in Virginia
In 2019, federal courts ruled that several Virginia House districts were unconstitutionally drawn to discriminate against African Americans. Subsequent elections using adjusted districts resulted in Democrats winning full control of the General Assembly.
2019: Virginia Recidivism Rate Data
In 2019, Virginia had a recidivism rate of 23.1%, the lowest in the country, meaning that only 23.1% of released felons were re-convicted within three years and sentenced to a year or more.
2019: Public Transit Usage in Virginia
In 2019, Virginia saw over 171.9 million public transit trips, with a significant portion, over 62%, taking place on the Washington Metro transit system serving Northern Virginia.
2019: Virginia Beach Shooting
In 2019, Virginia Beach experienced a devastating mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of 12 people. This tragic event, like the Virginia Tech shooting, ignited further discussions and calls for action regarding gun safety and violence prevention.
2019: Protected Land in Virginia
By 2019, a significant percentage of land in Virginia was under the protection of federal, state, and local entities, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
2019: School Segregation and Funding
In 2019, The Civil Rights Project at UCLA found that 7% of Virginia's public schools were "intensely segregated," a significant increase from 3% in 1989. Despite this, non-white school districts received slightly more funding per student than majority-white districts.
2019: Pre-Pandemic VRE Ridership
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) saw high ridership rates, with over 18,000 daily passengers in 2019.
2019: Liberty University Enrollment
By 2019, Liberty University, a private institution, recorded the largest total enrollment in Virginia, with 88,283 students online and 15,105 attending classes at its Lynchburg campus.
2019: Virginia State Police Workforce Data
As of 2019, the Virginia State Police, the largest law enforcement agency in the state, had 3,035 sworn and civilian members.
2019: Increased Out-of-State Voters in Virginia
By 2019, the proportion of eligible voters born outside of Virginia had increased to 55%, reflecting ongoing domestic and international migration.
2019: Newspaper Mergers and Declining Subscriptions
Gannett, Inc., the parent company of USA Today, merged with GateHouse Media in 2019. Despite being the third-most circulated newspaper nationwide, USA Today experienced a substantial decline in daily subscriptions, dropping from over 500,000 in 2019 to just over 180,000 in 2021.
2019: Google Office Expansion
Google expanded its offices in Reston, Virginia, in 2019.
April 1, 2020: Virginia's Population Reaches 8,631,393
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Virginia's population reached 8,631,393 on April 1, 2020, marking a significant increase from the previous census.
April 2020: COVID-19 Impact on Employment
In April 2020, jobless claims in Virginia surged past 10% due to the COVID-19 recession.
June 2020: Removal of Confederate Monuments
As part of the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020, sparked by the killing of George Floyd, calls for racial justice and the removal of Confederate monuments intensified in Virginia. This led to the removal of several prominent statues on Monument Avenue in Richmond, a historic turning point in the ongoing debate over Confederate symbols and their place in public spaces.
July 2020: Decriminalization of Marijuana in Virginia
Virginia decriminalized marijuana in July 2020, reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts to a civil penalty.
November 2020: Jobless Claims Decline
By November 2020, jobless claims in Virginia had decreased to around 5%.
2020: Mining in Virginia
In 2020, the mining industry in Virginia extracted over 72 million tons of various resources, including slate, kyanite, sand, and gravel. This activity highlights the continued importance of mining to Virginia's economy and the diverse range of minerals found within the Commonwealth.
2020: Virginia Voters Approve Redistricting Commission
Virginia voters passed a referendum in 2020 to establish a commission responsible for drawing state and congressional districts, shifting control away from the legislature.
2020: Repeal of Strict Photo ID Requirement for Voting in Virginia
Virginia repealed its strict photo identification requirement for voting in 2020.
2020: U.S. Census Data on Native American Population
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in 2020, only 0.5% of Virginians identified as exclusively American Indian or Alaska Native, while 2.1% identified as a combination of Native American and other ethnicities.
2020: Increase in In-State Migration to Richmond
In 2020, there was a 36% increase in in-state migration from Northern Virginia to Richmond compared to the average annual rate over the previous decade.
2020: Technology Industry Employment
By 2020, Virginia had the third highest concentration of technology workers in the U.S., with 451,268 tech jobs representing 11.1% of all jobs in the state.
2020: Homelessness in Hampton Roads
In 2020, the Hampton Roads region of Virginia had the highest per capita number of homeless individuals in the state, with 11 per 10,000 people.
2020: Department of Defense Employment
As of 2020, the U.S. Department of Defense employed a significant number of Virginians, with over 125,000 active-duty personnel, 25,000 reservists, and 99,000 civilians working at the Pentagon or one of the 27 military bases in the state.
2020: Radio Stations in Virginia
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2020, Virginia had 595 licensed FM radio stations and 239 AM stations broadcasting within the state.
2020: Healthiest Communities Rankings
In 2020, U.S. News & World Report recognized Falls Church and Loudoun County among the top ten healthiest communities in the nation.
2020: Higher Education Attainment
As of 2020, Virginia had the sixth-highest percentage of residents with bachelor's degrees or higher in the U.S., at 39.5%.
2020: Number of Employers and Sole Proprietorships
As of 2020, Virginia was home to 204,131 separate employers and 644,341 sole proprietorships.
2020: Hispanic and Asian Population Growth
As of 2020, Hispanics or Latinos comprised 10.5% of Virginia's population, while Asians made up 8.8%.
2020: Continued Shift in Racial Demographics
By 2020, the proportion of non-Hispanic whites in Virginia's population had declined to 58.6%, reflecting growth in other ethnic groups.
2020: Seafood Production in Virginia
Commercial fishing in Virginia supported 18,220 jobs as of 2020, while recreational fishing supported another 5,893 jobs.
2020: Joe Biden's Victory in Virginia
Democratic candidate Joe Biden won Virginia by over ten percent in the 2020 presidential election, further solidifying the state's shift towards the Democratic party in national races.
2020: Community College Enrollment
During the 2020-2021 school year, Virginia's 23 community colleges, spread across 40 campuses, enrolled 218,985 degree-seeking students.
July 2021: Legalization of Marijuana in Virginia
Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in July 2021.
2021: Median Age of Virginians Matches National Average
In 2021, the median age of Virginia's residents aligned with the national average of 38.8 years old. This data point provided insights into the age distribution within the state.
2021: Public Spending on the Arts in Virginia
Virginia ranked near the middle of US states in terms of public spending on the arts in 2021, at just over half of the national average.
2021: Seafood Production in Virginia
Virginia ranked as the country's third-largest producer of seafood in 2021, with sea scallops, oysters, Chesapeake blue crabs, menhaden, and hardshell clams being the largest seafood harvests by value.
2021: Virginia Invests in Passenger Rail Infrastructure
Virginia made significant strides in expanding its passenger rail infrastructure in 2021 by finalizing a deal to acquire 223 miles of track and over 350 miles of right-of-way from CSX Transportation.
2021: Median Household Income
Virginia had a median household income of $80,615 in 2021, ranking 11th highest nationwide.
2021: Continued Negative Net Migration
Virginia continued to see a negative net migration rate in 2021, with 8,995 more people leaving the state than moving to it. This was largely attributed to the high cost of housing in Northern Virginia.
2021: Cargo Volume at Virginia Ports
The seaports in Hampton Roads, Virginia, handled a substantial volume of cargo in 2021, reaching 61,505,700 short tons, making them the sixth busiest among United States ports.
2021: Passage of the Voting Rights Act of Virginia
The Voting Rights Act of Virginia was passed in 2021, requiring preclearance from the state Attorney General for any local election changes that could potentially disenfranchise voters, including closing or moving polling locations.
2021: Tourism in Virginia
In 2021, tourism in Virginia was the state's fifth-largest industry, supporting an estimated 185,000 jobs.
2021: Tuition-Free Community College Initiative and University Enrollment
In 2021, Virginia implemented a program making community college tuition-free for most low- and middle-income students. That same year, George Mason University had the largest on-campus student enrollment in the state (38,542), while Liberty University had the highest total enrollment (88,283 online and 15,105 on-campus).
2021: Expansion of the Virginia Court of Appeals
In 2021, the Virginia Court of Appeals, a part of the oldest judicial system in America, was expanded from eleven to seventeen judges to handle the state's automatic right of appeal for all civil and criminal cases.
2021: USA Today Subscription Decline
By 2021, USA Today's daily subscription numbers plummeted to just over 180,000 from a significantly higher figure in previous years.
2021: Virginia's Education System Ranking
In 2021, Virginia's K-12 education system was ranked thirteenth in the country with a grade of B- by the Quality Counts report.
2021: Agriculture in Virginia
As of 2021, agriculture occupied 30% of the land in Virginia, with 7.7 million acres of farmland, and remained the largest industry in the state, providing over 490,000 jobs.
2021: Property Tax in Virginia
As of 2021, the overall median real estate tax rate per $100 of assessed taxable value in Virginia was $0.96.
2021: Forest Coverage in Virginia
As of 2021, forests covered a significant portion of Virginia's land, with hardwood species dominating. The state's diverse geography supports a variety of tree species, including oak, hickory, hemlock, and pine.
2021: Commuting Trends in Virginia
By 2021, about 67.9% of Virginian workers commuted to work alone by car, marking the fourteenth lowest percentage in the U.S. However, carpooling saw lower rates at 8.5%.
2021: Obesity and Exercise Statistics
Data from 2021 indicated that weight and exercise were significant health concerns in Virginia. Statistics showed that 32.2% of adults and 14.9% of youth aged 10-17 were obese. Additionally, 35% of adults were categorized as overweight, and 23.3% reported not engaging in regular exercise.
2021: Teacher Salaries
During the 2021-2022 school year, K-12 teachers in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $59,970, which ranked 13th lowest in the U.S. after adjusting for the state's cost of living.
2021: Republican Victory in Virginia Gubernatorial Election
In 2021, Glenn Youngkin became the first Republican to win the Virginia governor's race since 2009. His party also won the lieutenant governor and attorney general races, and gained seven seats in the House of Delegates.
2022: Virginia's GDP Ranking
In 2022, Virginia's gross domestic product (GDP) was $654.5 billion, making it the 13th highest among U.S. states.
2022: Below-Average Snowfall
The winter of 2022-2023 brought unusually low snowfall to Virginia. Many parts of the state experienced no measurable snow throughout the entire season, a significant departure from average snowfall and a potential indicator of changing climate patterns.
2022: Republican Flip in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District
The 2nd Congressional District in Virginia flipped back to Republican control in 2022.
2022: Oyster Harvest in Virginia
The 2022–2023 oyster season in Virginia saw the largest harvest in 35 years, with around 700,000 US bushels, as the oyster population rebounded after collapsing in the 1980s.
2022: Start of 2022-2023 High School Sports Season
The 2022-2023 school year marked the beginning of a new season for high school sports in Virginia.
2022: U.S. News & World Report University Rankings
The 2022 U.S. News & World Report ranked several Virginia universities among the top public universities nationally, including the University of Virginia (3rd), the College of William and Mary (13th), and Virginia Tech (23rd).
2022: Agriculture in Virginia
Soybeans were the most profitable single crop in Virginia in 2022. Other leading agricultural products include corn, cut flowers, and tobacco, in which the state ranks third nationally in production.
2022: Computer Chip Export Value
The estimated export value of computer chips from Virginia reached $740 million in 2022.
2022: Fortune 500 Companies
In 2022, Virginia had 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered within its borders.
2022: Thomas Jefferson High School Ranked Top in the Country
In 2022, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, a Governor's School in Virginia, was ranked as the top high school in the country.
2022: Media Market Rankings
In 2022, Nielsen Media Research ranked the Hampton Roads area as the 44th largest media market in the U.S. The Richmond-Petersburg area secured the 56th spot, and Roanoke-Lynchburg came in at 71st.
2022: High School Graduation Rates
In 2022, 92.1% of Virginia high school students graduated on time after four years. 89.3% of adults over 25 had earned a high school diploma.
2022: Government Employment
Government agencies in Virginia employed approximately 714,100 people, representing nearly 17% of the state's total employment, in 2022.
2022: High-Income Counties in Northern Virginia
As of 2022, seven of the 25 highest-income counties in the United States were located in Northern Virginia.
2022: Religious Diversity in Virginia
As of 2022, Virginia is home to a diverse range of religions. While a small majority of the population identifies as Christian, there are also significant communities of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews.
2022: End of Period for Analysis of Dog Attacks in U.S. Prisons
A period of analysis on dog attacks in U.S. prisons ended in 2022, revealing that a disproportionate number of these attacks, 90%, occurred in Virginia prisons between 2017 and 2022.
January 2023: Sales Tax in Virginia
In January 2023, Virginia lowered the sales tax on groceries from 2.5% to 1% and extended the lower rate to include essential personal hygiene goods.
November 2023: Virginia General Assembly Elections
In November 2023, elections were held for all 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates and all 40 seats in the Virginia Senate.
December 2023: Mental Health Report
A December 2023 report by the General Assembly revealed that all nine public mental health facilities in Virginia were operating at over 95% capacity, leading to overcrowding and admission delays.
2023: Return to Pre-Pandemic Employment Levels
Virginia's employment rates returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
2023: Health Rankings and Statistics
The 2023 United Health Foundation's Health Rankings placed Virginia first for its physical environment. However, the state ranked 19th in overall health outcomes and 26th in healthy behaviors. Virginia had the 22nd lowest premature death rate (8,709 per 100,000) and an infant mortality rate of 5.61 per 1,000 live births. The rate of uninsured Virginians decreased to 6.5% following the expansion of Medicare.
2023: End of 2022-2023 High School Sports Season
The 2022-2023 school year concluded, marking the end of the high school sports season in Virginia, with over 176,000 students participating across various sports managed by the Virginia High School League.
2023: Proposed Move of Washington Wizards and Capitals to Alexandria Cancelled
In 2023, a proposal to relocate the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals to a new $2 billion arena in Alexandria was ultimately scrapped due to strong opposition from the Virginia Senate.
2023: Tornadoes in Virginia
In 2023, Virginia experienced a series of tornadoes, with eight confirmed touchdowns throughout the Commonwealth. This unusual weather pattern underscored the unpredictable nature of severe storms and their potential impact on the region.
2023: CNBC Top States for Business Ranking
In 2023, CNBC ranked Virginia second in its Top States for Business ranking.
2023: Improved Air Quality in Virginia
By 2023, air quality in Virginia showed significant improvement, with Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun counties recording a significant decrease in the number of days with unhealthy ozone levels. This improvement was largely attributed to the closure and conversion of coal power plants.
2023: Data Center Market Size and Internet Speed
By 2023, Northern Virginia's data center market had grown to over 47.7 million square feet, with Loudoun County becoming a hub known as "Data Center Alley." That year, data centers in Virginia handled approximately one-third of global internet traffic and directly employed 13,500 Virginians while supporting a total of 45,000 jobs. Virginia also recorded the second-fastest average internet speed among U.S. states, with 505.6 Mbit/s.
2023: Current Tobacco and E-cigarette Use
By 2023, 12.1% of Virginians reported using tobacco, while 7.7% used e-cigarettes. The state ranked 20th for annual flu vaccinations and had a 62.7% HPV vaccination rate among adolescents.
2023: Success of Virginia College Basketball Programs
As of 2023, the men's and women's college basketball programs of the Cavaliers, VCU Rams, and Old Dominion Monarchs demonstrated remarkable achievements, collectively securing 66 regular season conference championships and 49 conference tournament championships.
2023: Healthcare Facilities and Notable Developments
As of 2023, Virginia had 88 hospitals with a total of 17,024 beds. Inova Fairfax Hospital, the largest in the state and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, served over 55,000 patients annually. The year also marked the opening of a new 16-story children's hospital at VCU Medical Center.
2023: Wine Harvest in Virginia
A warm winter and dry summer in 2023 made for one of the best wine harvests for vineyards in the Northern Neck and along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
February 2024: Impact of COVID-19 on VRE Ridership
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) experienced a significant drop in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with daily numbers plummeting to 6,864 in February 2024, a stark contrast to pre-pandemic figures.
March 5, 2024: Virginia's Presidential Primary Election
Virginia held its most recent presidential open primary election on March 5, 2024, coinciding with Super Tuesday.
March 2024: Amtrak Ridership Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels
In March 2024, Amtrak routes in Virginia saw a resurgence in ridership, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and serving 123,658 passengers.
April 2024: Low Unemployment Rate
In April 2024, Virginia had an unemployment rate of 2.8%, the eighth lowest in the nation.
2024: Wine Production in Virginia
As of 2024, Virginia had the seventh-highest number of wineries in the nation, with 388 wineries producing 1.1 million cases of wine a year.
2024: Youth Soccer in Virginia
As of 2024, the Virginia Youth Soccer Association boasted a vibrant youth soccer scene with 145 clubs operating under the USYS system.
2024: Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Population Thrives
In 2024, an estimated 317 million Chesapeake blue crabs were reported to be living in the Chesapeake Bay. The bay supports a diverse ecosystem with a variety of fish and shellfish species.
November 2025: Virginia Gubernatorial Election
In November 2025, Virginia held its quadrennial election for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.