* Williamsburg: Founded in 1632, Williamsburg became the capital of Virginia after Jamestown was burned down in 1698. It remained the capital until 1780, when it was replaced by Richmond.
* Norfolk: Founded in 1682, Norfolk is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Virginia. It is located on the Elizabeth River, near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
* Richmond: Founded in 1737, Richmond was the capital of Virginia from 1780 until 1865. It is located on the James River, about 100 miles west of Williamsburg.
* Alexandria: Founded in 1749, Alexandria is located on the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C. It was an important port city in the 18th and 19th centuries.