Where is Virginia Located in the United States?
Where is Virginia?
Virginia is located in the southeastern region of the United States, with a diverse landscape ranging from the Atlantic Ocean coastline to the Appalachian Mountains. As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia is rich in history and plays a vital role in U.S. culture and governance. Virginia (VA) has a population of approximately 8.6 million people, covers an area of 42,775 square miles, and its capital is Richmond, while the largest city is Virginia Beach. Virginia was admitted to the Union as the 10th state in 1788. The state lies within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Bordering States
Maryland
To the north and east, Virginia shares a long and historically significant border with Maryland, running for 380 miles. This boundary is partially defined by the Potomac River, which separates the two states and has served as a crucial waterway throughout U.S. history. Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is nestled between the two states, creating strong economic and political ties. The Chesapeake Bay also borders both states, offering critical natural resources, such as fishing and shipping routes.
West Virginia
West Virginia lies to the west of Virginia, with a border stretching approximately 381 miles. The boundary between these two states is largely mountainous, as both share portions of the Appalachian Mountain range. West Virginia was once part of Virginia before separating during the Civil War in 1863. Today, both states share a rugged, rural landscape rich in coal mining and outdoor recreation.
North Carolina
To the south, North Carolina shares a 320-mile border with Virginia. This region is characterized by rolling hills and forests, transitioning into the more mountainous areas as it approaches the Blue Ridge Mountains. The economy along the border is linked through agriculture, military bases, and shared regional markets, particularly in cities like Danville, Virginia, and the Research Triangle in North Carolina.
Tennessee
Southwest of Virginia, Tennessee shares a 180-mile border with the state. This boundary runs through the Appalachian Mountains, particularly the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. The mountainous terrain of this region creates a picturesque and rugged landscape, with a strong cultural and economic connection to Appalachian heritage, including outdoor tourism and music traditions.
Kentucky
Kentucky lies to the west of Virginia, with a border of about 220 miles. This boundary follows the Cumberland Mountains and the Big Sandy River. The region is known for its rich coal mining history, and the shared Appalachian geography makes it a hub for hiking, wildlife, and rural culture. The Appalachian Mountains dominate this part of Virginia, making the border area sparsely populated but rich in natural beauty.
GPS Coordinates
Virginia’s geographic coordinates extend from 36.5°N to 39.5°N latitude and from 75.2°W to 83.7°W longitude, covering a wide range of landscapes, from coastal plains to mountainous regions.
The northernmost point of Virginia is near the town of Lovettsville, at about 39.5°N, close to the border with Maryland. This region is part of Loudoun County and is known for its proximity to the Potomac River, rolling hills, and vineyards. Being close to Washington, D.C., this area has seen rapid suburban growth in recent years.
Virginia’s southernmost point lies along the Virginia-North Carolina border near the town of Virgilina at 36.5°N. This region is primarily rural and characterized by farmland, small communities, and forests. It is part of Southside Virginia, an area known for tobacco farming and historical connections to early American settlement.
The easternmost point is located on Assateague Island, at 75.2°W, which is part of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, separated from the mainland by the Chesapeake Bay. This area is famous for its barrier islands, including Chincoteague, and its wild ponies. The region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering beaches, birdwatching, and boating.
The westernmost point of Virginia is near the town of Ewing, at 83.7°W, in Lee County, within the Appalachian Mountains. This area is rural and mountainous, known for its scenic beauty, coal mining history, and outdoor activities such as hiking in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
These coordinates highlight the diverse geography of Virginia, from coastal regions influenced by the Atlantic Ocean to the mountainous terrain of the western parts of the state. Virginia’s location in the mid-Atlantic also places it in a moderate climate zone, with humid summers and cool winters across much of the state.
Levels of Elevation
Virginia’s elevation varies significantly, with its lowest point at sea level along the Atlantic Ocean and its highest point in the Appalachian Mountains.
The lowest point in Virginia is at sea level along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. This low-lying region includes Virginia’s famous Tidewater area, which features extensive wetlands, estuaries, and rivers, making it vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding.
The highest point in Virginia is Mount Rogers, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Tennessee border. Mount Rogers rises to an elevation of 5,729 feet above sea level, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is part of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, known for its lush forests, highland meadows, and unique wildlife.
Most of Virginia’s central and western regions lie between 500 to 3,000 feet in elevation, particularly along the Piedmont and Appalachian regions. The Shenandoah Valley, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, offers moderate elevations that contribute to its fertile farmland and scenic beauty.
Virginia’s elevation levels create diverse ecosystems and climates across the state, with cooler temperatures and more rugged terrain in the mountains compared to the milder and flatter coastal plains.
Most Extreme Points of the State
Virginia’s most extreme geographic points showcase the state’s variety of landscapes, from coastal lowlands to mountainous highlands.
The easternmost point is located on Assateague Island, part of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This barrier island, at 75.2°W, is known for its wild ponies and its proximity to Chincoteague. The island features stunning beaches, salt marshes, and is a major destination for birdwatching and eco-tourism.
The westernmost point in Virginia is near Ewing, in Lee County, located at 83.7°W. This rural, mountainous area sits at the confluence of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, making it part of the rugged Appalachian landscape. Ewing is close to Cumberland Gap, a historic passageway through the Appalachian Mountains used by early American settlers.
The northernmost point is near Lovettsville, in Loudoun County, at 39.5°N. This area is close to the Potomac River and offers rolling hills, vineyards, and a blend of rural and suburban life. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., makes it part of the expanding northern Virginia region, which has seen significant growth due to the federal government’s influence.
The southernmost point is near Virgilina, in Halifax County, along the Virginia-North Carolina border, at 36.5°N. This area is rural and primarily agricultural, known for its tobacco farms and historical ties to the early American colonies. The region’s landscape features rolling hills and small towns, creating a peaceful and scenic rural atmosphere.
Major Mountains
Virginia’s geography is shaped by several major mountain ranges, most notably the Appalachian Mountains, which stretch across the state’s western regions and include notable subranges such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are perhaps Virginia’s most iconic mountain range. Running along the western part of the state, these mountains are part of the larger Appalachian system and are known for their scenic beauty, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in Shenandoah National Park. Peaks like Old Rag Mountain and Mount Rogers offer popular hiking destinations. The Blue Ridge also serves as a natural boundary between Virginia’s Piedmont and Valley and Ridge regions.
The Allegheny Mountains, located to the west of the Shenandoah Valley, are another prominent range in Virginia. These mountains form part of the border between Virginia and West Virginia and are known for their rugged terrain, dense forests, and rich coal deposits. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests cover much of this region, offering outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
The Cumberland Mountains, located in the far southwestern corner of Virginia, are part of the Appalachian Plateau. These mountains are lower in elevation compared to the Blue Ridge but are rich in history, especially for coal mining. The Cumberland Gap, a historic mountain pass through these mountains, was a key route for early American settlers moving westward.
These mountain ranges provide not only scenic beauty and recreational opportunities but also play a significant role in Virginia’s culture and economy, particularly in terms of tourism and natural resources.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Virginia is home to several significant rivers and lakes, many of which have shaped the state’s history, economy, and natural environment.
The Potomac River is one of Virginia’s most important rivers, forming part of the state’s northern border with Maryland and Washington, D.C. The Potomac has been central to the state’s history, serving as a major waterway for trade, transportation, and military strategy during the Civil War. Today, it remains a vital resource for drinking water, recreation, and commerce, especially around the Northern Virginia metropolitan area.
The James River is the longest river in Virginia, running for 348 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. It flows through the state capital, Richmond, and has been historically important since colonial times. The river played a central role in the establishment of the Jamestown settlement, the first permanent English colony in America. Today, the James River is a hub for outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and boating.
The Rappahannock River, running 195 miles, is another significant waterway in Virginia. It flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains into the Chesapeake Bay and has historical significance for both Native American cultures and the Civil War. The Rappahannock is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for fishing and water sports.
Virginia’s largest lake is Smith Mountain Lake, a man-made reservoir located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Created by the damming of the Roanoke River, Smith Mountain Lake is a major destination for boating, fishing, and vacation homes. Other notable lakes include Lake Anna, which is also a man-made reservoir, and Lake Drummond, one of two natural lakes in Virginia, located in the Great Dismal Swamp.
