8 Quirky Facts About Virginia That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

Living in Virginia is genuinely remarkable. We've have access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and numerous other natural wonders. Moreover, we offer both exciting city life and charming small towns, historic landmarks, and state-of-the-art museums. These fun facts about Virginia are all well-known. But keep reading and you'll learn interesting facts about Virginia – they sound made up but are 100 percent true.

1. Virginia’s Colonial Past – Once Divided into Shires

Yes, that's correct. Before counties were established, Virginia was divided into shires. These eight shires were formed by the Virginia Colony in 1634, based on a form of government used in England at that time. This only lasted a few years before the term shire was replaced by county. Speaking of shires, did you know you could spend the night in a hobbit house in Virginia?

Below is a comprehensive list of the original eight Virginia shires that were established by the British crown in 1634:

• James City Shire – now James City County
• Accomac Shire – later Northampton County
• Henrico Shire – now Henrico County
• Warwick River Shire – later renamed to Warwick County and now part of Newport News
• Charles City Shire – now Charles City County
• Warrosquyoake Shire – later renamed to Isle of Wight County
• Elizabeth City Shire – now part of Hampton
• Charles River Shire –  later renamed York County

2. Tangier Island – Home to a Unique Virginian Accent

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island was permanently settled in the 1770s.  Many who live on the island speak a unique dialect of American English, which some people believe is derived from British English. The accent was preserved due to the Island’s isolation, and some linguists compare it to 17th-century English. Before being settled, the island was frequently visited by the Pocomoke Indians.

3. Virginia’s Silk Dreams – The Colony Planned a Silk Empire

Most are familiar with Virginia's tobacco history, but the original settlers envisioned a silk colony. When a tree fungus killed the trees that the silkworms ate, plans changed, and the tobacco industry was born. Settlers tried raising silkworms on mulberry trees, but silk failed, and that’s how tobacco quickly replaced it.

4. Virginia’s Appalachian Adventure – More Miles of Trail Than Anywhere Else in the U.S.

Over 544 beautiful Appalachian Trail miles are located right here in Virginia. Plus, we also lay claim to the most-photographed place on the trail – McAfee Knob, which is also more challenging to climb. Among the common Appalachian trails in Virginia are the ones in Damascus and Waynesboro, and many routes are highly accessible.

5. From Virginia to Your Glass – Mountain Dew Was Perfected Here

Mountain Dew is an iconic soda. But few people realize it has ties to Virginia. The creators, Barney and Ally Hartman, had a tough time selling their drink. Eventually, they garnered interest from Virginia's Tip Corporation in 1958, which led to the enhancement of the recipe to add more citrus flavor. While the original soda was crafted in the mountains of Tennessee, it was truly perfected here in Virginia. In fact, the original Mountain Dew was created as a mixer for whiskey.

6. Did You Know? ChapStick Was First Sold in Lynchburg, VA

ChapStick was invented in the 1880s by Dr. Charles Browne Fleet. It rapidly gained popularity among locals and became a household name. Initially, it resembled a small wickless candle wrapped in foil, before being transformed into a tube-like design. Due to strategic marketing, ChapStick became America's most trusted lip care brand in the U.S.

7. Fun Geography Fact: Virginia Reaches Further West Than West Virginia

This one really sounds made up. However, as you can see from the map above, Virginia's westernmost point is actually further west. In fact, Virginia's westernmost point is further west than a central midwestern City, Cleveland, Ohio.

8. The Pentagon Is Massive – It Contains 17 Miles of Hallways!

It's challenging to grasp the sheer magnitude of the building. In fact, the telephone wires in the Pentagon could wrap around the planet over four times. Its construction was completed in 1943, and it is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.

How many of these little-known facts about Virginia had you heard before? Are there any Virginia fun facts that you would add to the list? Share your thoughts with us through this nomination form – we'd love to hear from you! And when planning to explore all that Virginia has to offer, be sure to use the Only In Your State itinerary planner.