Map created by Virginiaplaces.orgThe map above shows the state of Virginia’s land claims over North America from 1609 until the creation of West Virginia in 1863.Here’s a little bit about them:1. The 1609 ClaimThis map shows Virginia’s earliest colonial charter boundary. At that time, Virginia’s claim was extremely extensive, theoretically stretching from the Atlantic coast far inland—sometimes described as “sea to sea.”Under the charter issued by King James I, these boundaries were loosely defined and included vast swaths of land reaching beyond the Appalachian Mountains.2. The 1784 ClaimBy 1784, following the American Revolution, Virginia still held territory extending from its Atlantic coastline westward. This included much of the land north of the Ohio River (often referred to as the Northwest Territory).However, in 1784 Virginia ceded large portions of that land to the federal government, shaping the eventual creation of new states such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.3. The 1792 ClaimIn 1792, Kentucky separated from Virginia and became its own state.This reduced Virginia’s boundaries to its core territory east of the Allegheny Mountains, but still including what is now West Virginia.The map illustrates Virginia’s borders after Kentucky’s admission to the Union, showing a more familiar outline though still larger than present-day Virginia.4. The 1863 ClaimThe final map highlights Virginia’s shape after West Virginia became a separate state in 1863, during the Civil War.At this point, Virginia’s boundaries shrank to roughly the outline we know today. West Virginia’s admission as a new state significantly altered the western border, leaving Virginia in its modern form.Want to learn more about the history of Virginia? Then have a look at these books:Cradle of America: A History of VirginiaThe Virginia Dynasty: Four Presidents and the Creation of the American NationForgotten Virginia: Abandoned Places and Things in the Old DominionWhich version do you like best?