Virginia is filled with towns, landmarks, and natural wonders that often confound even the most seasoned travelers. Here’s a list of ten Virginia locations—some quirky, some obscure—that are notoriously difficult for most people to pinpoint on the first try. Can you identify them? (Spoiler: Most folks can’t!)
1. Tangier Island
A remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, accessible only by boat or plane, with a unique dialect and a way of life little changed for centuries.
2. Chincoteague Island
Famous for its wild ponies, this barrier island is a beloved destination for nature lovers and fans of Marguerite Henry’s “Misty of Chincoteague.”
3. Natural Bridge
A massive limestone arch carved by a creek, once owned by Thomas Jefferson, and now a state park with a storied history.
4. Luray Caverns
The largest cavern system in the eastern U.S., known for its otherworldly formations and the Great Stalacpipe Organ.
5. Appomattox Court House
The small village where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War—but often confused with the town of Appomattox.
6. Staunton (pronounced “Stan-ton”)
A historic town in the Shenandoah Valley with a rich arts scene—and a pronunciation that trips up out-of-towners.
7. Abingdon
A charming town near the Tennessee border, home to the famous Barter Theatre and the Virginia Creeper Trail.
8. Cumberland Gap
A historic mountain pass at the convergence of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, vital to westward expansion—but not always easy to place on a map.
9. Dismal Swamp Canal
The oldest continually operating artificial waterway in the U.S., winding through the Great Dismal Swamp near the North Carolina border.
10. Smithfield
A historic town on the James River, renowned for its cured ham and colonial architecture—but often overlooked by those not from the region.
If you managed to identify all ten on your first try, congratulations—you’re a Virginia geography wizard! Most people, however, will be stumped by at least a few of these unique spots1.
Sources:
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/most-remote-spots-virginia/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia
- https://virginiahistory.org/learn/what-are-five-physical-regions-virginias-geography
- https://virginiahistory.org/learn/regions-virginia