East Virginia facts for kids

East Virginia or Eastern Virginia can mean a few different things, mostly related to the state of Virginia in the United States. It's often used to talk about the eastern part of Virginia, especially the areas near the coast.

What Does "East Virginia" Mean?

The term "East Virginia" usually refers to the eastern sections of the state of Virginia. This area is known for its unique geography, including flat lands and many rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Eastern Part of Virginia

When people say "East Virginia," they are often thinking about the parts of the state closest to the Atlantic Ocean. This includes two main geographical areas: the Tidewater region and the Eastern Shore.

The Tidewater Region

The Tidewater region is a large, flat area in eastern Virginia. It gets its name because its rivers and bays are affected by the ocean's tides. This region includes important cities like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Richmond. It's a place with a lot of history, including early American settlements. The land here is low and often marshy, with many waterways that were important for travel and trade in the past.

The Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a peninsula that separates the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. It's a long, narrow strip of land that is part of Virginia but is physically separated from the rest of the state by the Chesapeake Bay. People get there by crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and quiet towns. It's a popular spot for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful getaway.

Virginia vs. West Virginia

Sometimes, "East Virginia" was a way to talk about the state of Virginia itself, especially to tell it apart from West Virginia. During the American Civil War, the western counties of Virginia separated to form their own state, West Virginia, in 1863. Before this, all of it was just "Virginia." So, "East Virginia" could be used to refer to the part that remained Virginia after the split. This term isn't used much today, as people simply say "Virginia" for the original state.

"East Virginia" in Music

"East Virginia" is also the name of a traditional folk song. It's an old song that has been performed by many different musicians over the years. One famous version was sung by Joan Baez on her first album, called Joan Baez, which came out in 1960. Folk songs like "East Virginia" often tell stories about love, travel, or everyday life, and they are passed down through generations.

See also

• Virginia (disambiguation)