Famous People from Virginia

Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) Famous African American tennis player who won 3 Grand Slam titles. Born in Richmond, VA (603)

Stephen Fuller Austin (1793 - 1836) Known as the Father of Texas, led the second and ultimately successful colonization of the region by bringing 300 families from the United States. Born in Austinville, VA (1199)

Warren Beatty (1937 - ) Director, actor, producer, writer; Has won many Golden Globe and Academy Awards. Born in Richmond, VA (600)

James Bridger (1804 - 1881) Trapper, guide and storyteller; Considered by some to be the first European American to see the Great Salt Lake. Born in , VA (669)

Admiral Richard E. Byrd (1888 - 1957) Explorer and first man to fly over North and South poles. Born in Winchester, VA (614)

William Clark (1770 - 1838) William Clark and Meriwether Lewis led the Corps of Discovery through North Dakota, where they spent the winter of 1804-1805 near Washburn at Fort Mandan. Born in Caroline, VA (430)

Roy Clark (1933 - ) Country music artist. He also hosted one of the first nationally televised country variety shows. Born in Meherrin, VA (601)

Ella Fitzgerald (1917 - 1996) Jazz singer who is considered to be one of the most influential jazz singers of the 20th century; She won 13 Grammy awards and many other honorable awards. Born in Newport News, VA (604)

William Henry Harrison (1773 - 1841) Ninth president of the U.S. He was also an American Military leader, politician, the 1st governor of the Indiana Territory, a U.S Senator from Ohio, and a war hero. Born in Charles City County, VA (610)

Samuel Houston (1793 - 1863) Was a 19th century American statesman, politician, and soldier. Houston was a key figure in the history of Texas, including periods as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas, Senator for Texas after it joined the United States, and finally as governor. Born in Timber Ridge, VA (1200)

Thomas Jefferson (1743 - 1826) Third president of the U.S. ,the author of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the most influential founding fathers. Born in Albemarle County, VA (607)

Meriwether Lewis (1774 - 1809) Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led a famous expedition to the Pacific ocean. Born in Albemarle County, VA (594)

James Madison (1751 - 1836) Fourth president of the U.S. and considered to be the father of the Constitution. Born in Port Conway, King George, VA (608)

John Bankhead Magruder (1807 - 1871) Was a career military officer who served in the armies of three nations. He was a U.S. Army officer in the Mexican-American War, a Confederate general during the American Civil War, and a postbellum general in the Imperial Mexican Army. Born in Port Royal, VA (1211)

James Monroe (1758 - 1831) Fifth president of the U.S.; He also played a leading role in the War of 1812 as Secretary of War and Secretary of State. Born in Westmoreland County, VA (609)

Wayne F. Newton (1942 - ) Is an American singer and entertainer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He performed over 30,000 solo shows in Las Vegas over a period of over 40 years, earning him the nickname Mr. Las Vegas. His best known songs include 1972's "Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast" (his biggest hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard chart), "Years" (1980), his vocal version of "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" (1965), and his signature song, "Danke Schoen" (1963). Born in Norfolk, VA (1309)

Zachary Taylor (1784 - 1850) 12th president of the U.S. and a great military leader who had over 40 years of military experience. Born in Orange County, VA (612)

John Tyler (1790 - 1862) Tenth president of the U.S.; Became the first president to take office after the death of the residing president. Born in Charles City County, VA (611)

Booker T. Washington (1856 - 1915) African-American educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute. Born in Hale's Ford, VA (605)

George Washington (1732 - 1799) First president of the U.S.. He also led the U.S. Continental Army to victory over Britain in the Revolutionary War. Born in Westmoreland County, VA (606)

James E. West (1931 - ) Inventor of the Foil Electret Microphone. Born in Prince Edward County, VA (602)

Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924) 28th president of the U.S..He was also a leading person in the Progressive Era, President of Princeton University, and reform governor of New Jersey. Born in Staunton, VA (613)