Virginia is devoted to the stories, experiences and people who make us what we are today. Wherever you may find yourself - in a garden, at an art museum, performance hall or theme park - you might discover something that sparks a life-long interest. Virginia's past is the beginning of the nation's history and heritage. From the first permanent English settlement of Jamestown in 1607 through the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Virginia was where the nation originated, where it prospered and where many of our nation's conflicts were resolved. Sites have been preserved, artifacts collected and research continues. Preservation of history and Virginia are synonymous. The arts are vibrant in Virginia with various organizations devoted to preserve, promote and advance the arts for generations to come.