Statehood The 10th state June 25, 1788 Captial Richmond State Motto Thus ever to tyrants Origin of State Name Named for the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I of England. State Nickname The Old Dominion State The name refers to the addition of Virginia's arms to the shield of King Charles II in 1633. Interesting Facts The Atlantic Flyway, a route for birds migrating along the Atlantic coast, crosses Virginia, and the state provides important resting and feeding grounds. Because of Virginia's prestige, the Confederate capital was moved on May 21, 1861, from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond. Virginia was the birthplace of many U.S. presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.