Living in Virginia is truly remarkable. We’ve got access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and countless other natural wonders. Moreover, we have both exciting city life and charming small-town charms. Historic landmarks and state-of-the-art museums. These fun facts about Virginia are all pretty well-known. But keep reading and you’ll learn some cool facts about Virginia – they sound made up but are 100 percent true!

1. Virginia was once divided into shires.

Wikipedia
Yes, that's correct. Before counties were established, Virginia was divided up into shires. These 8 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?

2. Tangier Island has its own unique accent.

wikipedia
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island was permanently settled in the 1770s. Many who live on the island speak a one-of-a-kind dialect of American English, which some people believe to be derived from British English. Prior to being settled, the island was frequently visited by the Pocomoke Indians.

3. Virginia was planned to be a silk empire.

Wikipedia
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.

4. Virginia has more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other state.

John Hayes / flickr
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.

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5. Mountain Dew was perfected here.

Mike Mozart / flickr
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, who enhanced the recipe to add more of a 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. And so was Chapstick!

Wikipedia

7. The westernmost point in Virginia is further west than West Virginia's westernmost point.

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

8. The Pentagon is so vast, it holds 17 miles of hallways inside.

Wikipedia
It's hard to conceptualize just how vast the building is. In fact, the telephone wires in the Pentagon could wrap around the planet over 4 times!

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 in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! And for more fun ways to explore all that Virginia has to offer, take a look at the many activities available on Airbnb Experiences.

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