Geography of Virginia

Where Am I?

100

I have low, flat land. In my region there is a peninsula that lies across the Chesapeake Bay. I border the fall line to the east and have the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond in the southeastern part of my region. Where am I?

The Coastal Plain or Tidewater

200

I am the smallest region of Virginia. I am characterized by flat, elevated land. I border West Virginia and Kentucky. Where am I?

The Appalachian Plateau

300

I am characterized by rolling hills. I am the largest region of Virginia and my name means "at the foot of the mountains" Where am I?

The Piedmont

400

I stretch all the way from the northern part of the state to the southern. I am characterized by land with many valleys in between ridges. Where am I?

The Valley and Ridge

500

My region is part of the Appalachian Mountain System. I am known for my old, rounding mountains that lie along a convergent boundary (when two tectonic plates hit into one another and create mountains). Where am I?

The Blue Ridge Mountains

Water Features

100

This body of water lies between the main coast of Virginia and the Eastern Shore peninsula.

Chesapeake Bay

200

The city of Yorktown lies along this river.

York River

300

This river has the two important cities of Jamestown and our capital city, Richmond. It is the longest and widest river in Virginia. 

The James River

400

The city of Fredericksburg is located on the river at the fall line. This river an the Potomac River create the northernmost peninsula of Virginia.

The Rappahannock River

500

This river creates the border between Virginia and Maryland. It is the northernmost river of Virginia. The city of Alexandria, located on the fall line, can be found along this river.

The Potomac River

Water Features II

100

What water feature provided transportation links between Virginia and other places?

The Atlantic Ocean

200

Explain two ways in which the Chesapeake bay was important to the early history of Virginia.

1. Provided safe harbor for ships

2. Source of food and transportation

300

Virginia's four major rivers flow into the ___________.

Chesapeake Bay

400

What separates the Eastern Shore from the mainland of Virginia?

The Chesapeake Bay

500

Each river in Virginia was a source of food for the people who lived there long ago. What is another reason the rivers were important?

The rivers provided pathways for people to explore and settle in different areas of Virginia.

Border States

100

This state is located north of Virginia. They share the Potomac River as a natural boundary or border. 

Maryland

200

This state is located south of Virginia. This state and Virginia's border is decided by a line of latitude.

North Carolina

300

This state is northwest of Virginia. This state and Virginia were one state prior to the Civil War. 

West Virginia

400

This state is located southwest of Virginia. Early settlers once traveled through the Cumberland Gap, which it shares with Virginia and one other state. 

Tennessee

500

This state borders Virginia to the west and shares part of the Appalachian Plateau. It also shares the Cumberland Gap, where early settlers traveled through to move westward, with Virginia and one other state.

Kentucky

Odds & Ends

100

A mnemonic device you can use to remember the names of the bordering states.

Mustard With Ketchup Tastes Nice.

200

In which region do a number of Virginia rivers begin? 

The Blue Ridge Mountains

300

How does the Fall Line affect the rivers that cross it?

Along the Fall Line, waterfalls prevent further travel on the rivers.

400

The Eastern shore is located in which region?

Coastal Plain

500

What is a peninsula?

Land that is bordered on three sides by water.