This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

When typed in ALL CAPS, what 5-letter word can be read the same upside down?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Nicknamed “Old Dominion,” the state of Virginia offers a rich history and fascinating attractions.  

Here are a few quick facts about Virginia:

• Capital:  Richmond
• State Bird:  Cardinal
• State Flower:  American dogwood
• State Motto:  Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus Always to Tyrants)

As one of the original thirteen English colonies settled by England, Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I, who was called the Virgin Queen.  In 1607, Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in America.  As a royal colony under English governance, the colonial governor was chosen by the crown.

Virginia is the birthplace of eight American Presidents:  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson.  The state is sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Presidents.”

One of Virginia’s most historic areas to visit includes the College of William and Mary, which was founded in 1693.  It is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.  Only Harvard University is older.

The home of America’s first President is found in northern Virginia along the Potomac River.  George Washington’s estate of Mount Vernon is found in Fairfax County. 

Many people plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, which is a military cemetery maintained by the U.S. Army.  It was founded in 1864, and approximately 400,000 people are interned on its 639 acres.

top left:  mount vernon.  right: college of william and mary and american dogwood flower.  bottom left:  arlington national CEMETERY.  bottom right:  antarctica explorer Richard e. byrd (born in westchester, virginia).  (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

SWIMS