Myths and Misunderstandings About Virginia

Antipode
If you dig a hole straight down through the center of the earth - ignoring the challenges of drilling to the other side of the planet, such as getting through the molten center of the earth - you would not emerge like a groundhog in China. The opposite side of the earth from Virginia is known as our antipode. It will be in the Southern Hemisphere, on the other side of the Equator from China. The 2008 Olympics in China was at a similar latitude as Fairfax County in the Northern Hemispere, so clearly China is not our antipode on the other side of the Equator. To emerge in China, the hole would have to start in Argentina or Chile.1

Richmond is at 37.5407° latitude, -77.4360° longitude and its antipode is -37.540700° latitude, 102.564000° longitude
Richmond is at 37.5407° latitude, -77.4360° longitude and its antipode is -37.540700° latitude, 102.564000° longitude
Source: ESRI, ArcGIS Online

Mythical Hidden Treasures

Pocahontas may have saved John Smith's life, but the stories of a romantic relationship are as unrealistic as the clothing in this painting
Pocahontas may have saved John Smith's life, but the stories of a romantic relationship are as unrealistic as the clothing in this painting
Source: Smithsonian Institution, Pochanhontas Saving the Life of Capt John Smith

Links

References

1. Antipodes Map, https://www.antipodesmap.com/ (last checked February 4, 2020)

Virginia Places