US States That Start With V (2026)

If you’ve ever wondered which US states start with the letter V, the answer is simple: there are only two—Vermont and Virginia.

Although the United States has 50 states, only these two begin with the letter V. Despite sharing the same first letter, they differ significantly in geography, climate, population, economy, history, and attractions.

Whether you’re preparing for a geography quiz, writing a school assignment, planning a trip, or simply expanding your knowledge, this guide covers everything you need to know about Vermont and Virginia.

US States That Start With V

1. Vermont

Vermont is a small but beautiful state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Known for its breathtaking mountains, vibrant autumn foliage, and world-famous maple syrup, Vermont is one of America’s most scenic destinations.

Quick Facts

Capital: Montpelier
Largest City: Burlington
Statehood: 1791 (14th state)
Nickname: The Green Mountain State
Region: New England
Abbreviation: VT

The name Vermont comes from the French words vert mont, meaning “green mountain.” This perfectly reflects the state’s lush mountain landscapes.

2. Virginia

Virginia is located in the southeastern United States and is one of the country’s most historically significant states. It played a central role in colonial America, the American Revolution, and the Civil War.

Quick Facts

Capital: Richmond
Largest City: Virginia Beach
Statehood: 1788 (10th state)
Nickname: The Old Dominion
Region: Southern United States
Abbreviation: VA

Virginia was named after Queen Elizabeth I of England, who was known as the “Virgin Queen.”

Why Only Two States Start With V

Among all 50 U.S. states, only Vermont and Virginia begin with the letter V. Most state names originated from Native American languages, European explorers, or historical figures, and relatively few names happened to start with this letter.

This makes V one of the least common starting letters for U.S. state names.

Geography of Vermont

Vermont is famous for its rolling hills, forests, rivers, and mountain ranges. The Green Mountains stretch through much of the state, creating spectacular scenery throughout the year.

Visitors enjoy:

Hiking
Skiing
Snowboarding
Mountain biking
Camping
Scenic drives

Its rural landscapes make Vermont an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Geography of Virginia

Virginia has one of the most diverse landscapes in America.

Its geography includes:

Atlantic coastline
Chesapeake Bay
Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah Valley
Piedmont region
Fertile farmland

Because of this diversity, Virginia offers beaches, mountains, forests, and historic towns all within one state.

Climate Comparison

Vermont experiences a humid continental climate.

Typical weather includes:

Cold, snowy winters
Mild summers
Beautiful autumn colors
Pleasant springs

Virginia has a humid subtropical climate in many areas.

Its weather generally includes:

Warm summers
Mild winters
Longer growing seasons
Moderate rainfall

Southern Virginia is usually warmer than Vermont throughout the year.

Population Differences

Virginia is one of the more populous states in the United States.

Vermont, by contrast, has one of the smallest populations among the 50 states.

This difference influences everything from transportation and housing to business opportunities and public services.

Economy of Vermont

Vermont has a diverse economy built around:

Agriculture
Maple syrup production
Dairy farming
Tourism
Small businesses
Manufacturing

The state is internationally recognized for producing high-quality maple syrup and artisanal food products.

Economy of Virginia

Virginia has one of the strongest economies in the country.

Major industries include:

Technology
Government services
Defense
Tourism
Agriculture
Healthcare
Education

Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C., is home to many technology companies and government contractors.

Historical Importance of Vermont

Vermont has a unique place in American history.

Some notable facts include:

It operated as an independent republic before joining the United States.
It became the 14th state in 1791.
It was among the first states to prohibit slavery in its constitution.
It has a long tradition of local governance and civic participation.

Historical Importance of Virginia

Virginia is often called the “Mother of Presidents.”

It is the birthplace of eight U.S. presidents, including:

George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
James Monroe

Virginia also hosted many important events during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Top Tourist Attractions in Vermont

Some of Vermont’s most popular attractions include:

Green Mountains
Lake Champlain
Stowe Mountain Resort
Smugglers’ Notch
Quechee Gorge
Shelburne Museum

Visitors especially enjoy Vermont during the fall foliage season.

Top Tourist Attractions in Virginia

Virginia offers a wide variety of attractions, including:

Shenandoah National Park
Colonial Williamsburg
Virginia Beach
Arlington National Cemetery
Mount Vernon
Luray Caverns

These destinations attract millions of visitors each year.

Education and Universities

Both states have respected higher education institutions.

Vermont

University of Vermont
Middlebury College
Norwich University

Virginia

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
George Mason University

Virginia is especially well known for its prestigious public universities.

State Symbols

Vermont

State Bird: Hermit Thrush
State Flower: Red Clover
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Animal: Morgan Horse

Virginia

State Bird: Northern Cardinal
State Flower: Flowering Dogwood
State Tree: Flowering Dogwood
State Insect: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

These symbols reflect each state’s natural heritage.

Fun Facts About Vermont and Virginia

Vermont is the only New England state without an Atlantic coastline.
Montpelier is the smallest U.S. state capital by population.
Virginia Beach is one of the world’s longest pleasure beaches.
Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies.
Vermont is America’s largest producer of maple syrup.
Virginia has more Civil War battlefields than any other state.

Why People Search for States Starting With V

People frequently search for “US states that start with V” for reasons such as:

Geography homework
Crossword puzzles
Trivia competitions
Alphabetical learning
Travel research
Educational games

Since there are only two, they are relatively easy to remember.

Comparison Table

Feature	Vermont	Virginia
Abbreviation	VT	VA
Capital	Montpelier	Richmond
Largest City	Burlington	Virginia Beach
Statehood	1791	1788
Region	New England	Southern United States
Nickname	Green Mountain State	Old Dominion
Population	About 650,000	About 8.9 million
Famous For	Maple syrup, Green Mountains, fall foliage	Colonial history, presidents, beaches
Major Industries	Agriculture, tourism, dairy, manufacturing	Technology, government, defense, tourism
Highest Point	Mount Mansfield	Mount Rogers
Borders Canada	Yes	No
Atlantic Coastline	No	Yes

US States That Start With U

Conclusion

When it comes to US states that start with V, the answer is straightforward: Vermont and Virginia.

While they share the same first letter, these two states offer very different experiences. Vermont is renowned for its picturesque mountains, maple syrup, skiing, and charming New England towns. Virginia, on the other hand, is celebrated for its rich colonial history, diverse landscapes, thriving economy, Atlantic coastline, and significant role in shaping the United States.

Whether you’re studying American geography, planning a vacation, or expanding your general knowledge, understanding the similarities and differences between Vermont and Virginia provides valuable insight into the diversity of the United States. Despite there being only two V states, both have unique identities and lasting contributions to the nation’s history, culture, economy, and natural beauty.