What's The Nickname For The State of Virginia?

The "Old Dominion": A Title of Royal Loyalty

Virginia's primary and most enduring nickname is the "Old Dominion." This title has deep roots in the state's colonial history and its relationship with the English Crown.

• Origin: The nickname is believed to have been bestowed upon the colony by King Charles II of England in the mid-17th century. During the English Civil War and the subsequent Interregnum period when the monarchy was overthrown, the Virginia Colony remained steadfastly loyal to the Crown.
• A Mark of Gratitude: When Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, he supposedly granted Virginia the title of "Old Dominion" as a mark of appreciation for its unwavering loyalty. It signified that Virginia was the first, or "oldest," of his overseas dominions.

The "Mother of Presidents": A Legacy of Leadership

Another famous and well-earned nickname for Virginia is the "Mother of Presidents."

• Origin: This title reflects the remarkable fact that more U.S. Presidents were born in Virginia than in any other state.
• The Presidents: Eight American presidents hail from the Commonwealth of Virginia:
  1. George Washington
  2. Thomas Jefferson
  3. James Madison
  4. James Monroe
  5. William Henry Harrison
  6. John Tyler
  7. Zachary Taylor
  8. Woodrow Wilson

This incredible legacy of national leadership cements Virginia's reputation as a cradle of American democracy.

The "Mother of States": A Vast Territorial Past

Virginia is also sometimes referred to as the "Mother of States." This nickname stems from the immense size of the original Virginia Colony.

• Original Boundaries: The original land grant for Virginia was vast. Over time, all or parts of several other states were carved from land that was once part of its territory.
• New States: These include West Virginia (which seceded during the Civil War), Kentucky, and the states formed from the Northwest Territory (such as Ohio and Indiana), which Virginia ceded to the federal government.

Official Designation: The "Commonwealth of Virginia"

It's also important to note that Virginia's official name is the "Commonwealth of Virginia." This is a formal title, not a nickname. Like Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Kentucky, Virginia adopted this designation to emphasize that its government is based on the common good and consent of the people, a key principle during the American Revolution.

Virginia's rich collection of nicknames offers a window into its profound historical journey. The "Old Dominion" speaks to its colonial loyalty, the "Mother of Presidents" highlights its unparalleled contribution to American leadership, and the "Mother of States" recalls its vast territorial origins. Together, these titles paint a picture of a state that has been central to the American story from its very beginning.

Sources:

• Library of Virginia
• Virginia Museum of History & Culture
• Encyclopedia Virginia
• Virginia State Government Websites
• Historical accounts of Colonial Virginia and the English Restoration
• Biographies of the U.S. Presidents