Flag History
Because Virginia was the first part of the country to be settled by English colonists, the state flag proudly represents Virginia's love of freedom. The seal in the center of the flag pictures two figures acting out the state motto, which is written in Latin on the seal, Sic Emper Tyrannis, meaning "This is what always happens to tyrants". The goddess Virtue, the symbol of the commonwealth, has defeated the man, who holds a whip and chain, showing that he is a tyrant.
Flag Adopted: 1861
State Nickname: The Old Dominion
State Motto: Sic Semper Tyrannis, meaning, "This is what always happens to tyrants".
Area: 40,767 square miles
Approximate Population: 5.4 million
Capital: Richmond
Largest City: Norfolk
Major Products: corn, hay, peanuts, tobacco, coal
State Bird: Cardinal
State Tree: Flowering Dogwood
State Flower: Flowering Dogwood
