Virginia's Ever Shrinking Claims On North America From 1609 To 1863

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 Claim

This 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 Claim

By 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 Claim

In 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 Claim

The 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:

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