How Virginian Are You? 8 Things All Virginians Understand

Some Virginia transplants do a great job of seamlessly blending in with locals born and raised in the Old Dominion. Others? Well, it’s pretty darn obvious they’re not from around there.

These are some things that define how Virginian you truly are. Before you get upset about us defining a “true” Virginian, know that this is all in good fun.

And, of course, this is far from a complete list of things that make a Virginian a Virginian. Share your favorite “so Virginian” perspective with us.

UVA vs Virginia Tech

Sports in Virginia center on the rivalry between the University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Tech, and all Virginians know it.

If you’re a true Virginian, you’ll either wear orange and blue for UVA or maroon and burnt orange for Virginia Tech—colors that spark strong opinions. Catching a heated football game or cheering courtside at a basketball match is a favorite pastime for many locals.

This rivalry isn’t just about points on the board. It’s also about bragging rights among friends, family, and co-workers. Virginia graduates and fans alike love to debate over which school is better. If you’ve ever been caught in a good-natured argument about the latest game or pinned a flag for your team on the front porch, you’re carrying on a true Virginia tradition.

Naming the Capital

Ask a non-Virginian what Virginia’s state capital is, and you might get Washington, D.C. as an answer. Of course, true Virginians know that Richmond is Virginia’s capital. They might even be able to tell you it’s been the capital since the 1780s.

Many visitors find it surprising that the largest city in Virginia is actually Virginia Beach, not Richmond. But Richmond’s status as capital goes hand in hand with its role in the state’s earliest days.

Today, Richmond is known for more than its historic sites. The city’s creative food scene, vibrant arts festivals, and scenic river trails draw people from across the state and beyond. If you’re a true Virginian, you should be able to proudly point out the significance of this historic city—not just because it’s the capital, but because it’s also bursting with culture.

Explaining “Virginia Is for Lovers”

“Virginia Is for Lovers” became the state’s tourism slogan back in 1969, and every “real” Virginian knows it.

While many Virginians believe the kind of “love” the phrase refers to is about the love of nature or history, tourists and Virginia transplant newbies often assume it’s about romance. Regardless, you’ll see “Virginia Is for Lovers” on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and billboards all over the state.

For many Virginians, “lovers” also means fans of anything that makes the state unique. From the smoky peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy shores of the Atlantic, there’s a lot to love there. If you’re truly Virginian at heart, you’ve probably used or at least heard this catchy phrase and can explain why it’s stuck around so long.

First Thanksgiving

Many Americans assume the first Thanksgiving was in Plymouth, Massachusetts. But people who grew up in the Virginia school system have a different—ahem, real—story.

In 1619, settlers at Berkeley Plantation held a day of thanks, which happened before the famous gathering in Plymouth. That’s why you might hear Virginians proudly claim the state as the true home of Thanksgiving.

This is more than a friendly rivalry. For locals, it shows how important Virginia’s early colonies were in shaping American traditions. Knowing this bit of trivia can spark a lively debate at any non-Virginian family dinner table.

Understanding Monticello’s Uniqueness

Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s famous home in Charlottesville. But as “real” Virginians know, it’s more than just a big house—its design was groundbreaking for its time, with a dome and clever details you can still see today.

UNESCO even named Monticello a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural value. Visitors tour the grounds to learn about Jefferson’s innovations and Virginia’s role in America’s early years.

But Monticello’s story isn’t just about architecture. It also highlights the complicated history of slavery in the United States. Jefferson owned more than 600 enslaved people, including families who lived and worked there. If you consider yourself a true Virginian, you should know Monticello stands both as an architectural gem and a reminder of the state’s complex past.

Knowing the Peanuts Connection

Peanuts aren’t the first thing many Americans associate with Virginia, but as true Virginians well know, they play a bigger role than many think.

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia has a long history of peanut production. The southeastern part of the state, especially around Suffolk, is known as the “Peanut Capital.”

This history dates back to the 1800s, when peanuts became a popular crop in the region. Today, Virginia peanuts are prized for being extra large and tasty. Many Virginians grow up snacking on boiled or roasted peanuts at local fairs and festivals. If you can chat about the difference between a Virginia peanut and a runner peanut, you’ve definitely got local cred.

Eating Smithfield Ham

Non-meat eaters aside, every “real” Virginian has tried—and often regularly consumes—Smithfield ham. This is a type of country ham that comes from the town of Smithfield in southeastern Virginia. It has a salty, smoky taste that many Virginians remember from holiday dinners or roadside shops.

The town of Smithfield even set rules on what can be called “Smithfield ham,” showing just how important this tradition is to locals. If you’re a Virginian, you might have grown up seeing these hams hanging in country stores, ready to be sliced and shared.

Smithfield ham isn’t just a meal—it’s a piece of culture. You’ll find festivals, tastings, and family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Some people like it in biscuits, others enjoy it alongside eggs for breakfast, and a few even pair it with sweet preserves. If you’ve tasted Smithfield ham and boast about its unique flavor, you’re well on your way to showing off your Virginian roots.

Mother of Presidents

Virginia is often called the “Mother of Presidents,” and true Virginians can tell you it’s because eight U.S. presidents were born there, more than any other state.

These presidents include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. If you’re from the Old Dominion, you’ve likely heard these names in class or seen their portraits in local museums.

This connection to the nation’s highest office is a major point of pride for Virginians. Many historical sites across the state celebrate these leaders’ accomplishments, from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

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