Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies, and Richmond, its capital, was also the colonial capital. Virginia achieved statehood in 1788, and its population is currently 7,567,465. Eight U.S. presidents were born in this state. Virginia is rich in colonial history. Two former president’s homes draw thousands of visitors each year: Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington, and Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. Also popular visiting sites are the Shenandoah National Park, the Booker T. Washington birthplace near Roanoke, and the Blue Ridge National Parkway. Famous Virginians are singer Ella Fitzgerald, tennis great Arthur Ashe, and actor George C. Scott

According to 2005 Census estimates, Virginia has a population of 7,567,465. Of this population, 1,765,029 are under the age of 18 and 860,258 are at or above the age of 65.