Virginia

When Kentuckians joined the Union as the 15th state in 1792, it also kept the name commonwealth.
             The capitol of Virginia also has an extensive history. The First Legislative Meeting was held in the first Virginia capitol, Jamestown. Virginia's General Assembly, the earliest elective legislature in the New World, met for eleven years in the choir of the church at Jamestown from 1619 to 1632. Attending this meeting were the Council, the Governor, and the 22-member House of Burgesses. From 1632 to 1660 the Council and House of Burgesses met at the former governor's home, Sir John Henry. Between 1660 and 1665 the legislature met at one of Jamestown's taverns. Between 1665 and 1699, the legislature convened at 4 other places before the capitol changed in 1699. The new Virginia capitol was established in Williamsburg. The legislative meeting took place in this capitol house from 1704 until a fire destroyed it in 1747. The sixth state house was built in the same spot the fifth house burned down at and the capitol remained there until 1780.
             In 1780 Virginia changed its capitol for a final time in Richmond. This spot lasted until 1788 when the British decided to demolish it. In 1788 Virginia's first permanent capitol was founded. The assembly met in this building, model selected by Thomas Jefferson, for 166 years. Now since 1904, extensive renovation and additional construction has been done. These structures remain in use to the present day.
             Other facts and emblems recognized in Virginia are vast. The date Virginia joined the Union was on June 25, 1788 (10th state to ratify the Constitution). Virginia has a population of 6,872,900 people (1999 estimate) and has an area of 40,767 square miles. Virginia has 95 counties, 40 independent cities, and 189 incorporated towns. Virginia's major industries include manufacturing, exports, tourism, technology, and agriculture. The Official state emblems are milk for beverage, cardinal for bird, foxhound for dog, brook trout for fish, dogwood for flower, square dancing for dance, and oyster for shell.