Virginia’s Capital Moves

VS.4c

There were many reasons

for this move. • The drinking water was contaminated by salt water. 

• The dirty living conditions caused diseases. 

• Williamsburg was at a higher elevation which meant it was less likely to flood. 

• When fire destroyed the wooden buildings in1698 the final decision was made.

There were several reasons for this move.  

• The population was moving westward, and Richmond was west of Williamsburg.

• Richmond was a more central location for all the citizens of Virginia and nearby states.

• Richmond was a better location for trade.

• Moving the capital to Richmond increased the distance from attack by the English.

REVIEW•This city was Virginia’s first capital city.

–A. Williamsburg–B. Jamestown–C. Richmond–D. Norfolk

•This city was Virginia’s third capital city. -A. Williamsburg -B. Jamestown -C. Richmond -D. Norfolk

•What direction was the population of Virginia moving in 1780?

A. To the south

B. To the north

C. To the east

D. To the west

• All of the following were reasons for the first move of the capital except:

A. Drinking water wasn’t clean

B. Dirty living conditions

C. The ground wasn’t solid and at a low elevation

D. People were farming tobacco