In Hanover County, the community is celebrating Colonial Hanover’s legacy with a history crawl, highlighting things that were called for boycott in the Hanover Resolves. The Northern Neck historic towns and villages are delving deeply into the past by offering a better understanding of the power of place. In Prince William County, traveling trunks connect students to their own local history.
These regionally focused events are part of a series of celebrations set in motion by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), telling the stories of the American Revolution and the people and places that played important roles in the course of American history.
Established in 2020 by the General Assembly, the VA250 commemorates Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Many of Virginia’s 134 counties and cities have answered the call to support the commission by forming committees dedicated to telling the stories of how Virginia played a pivotal role in the struggle for American independence.
“To Form a More Perfect Union” is the theme for the VA250, with the goals to educate, engage communities and regions in events, and to inspire Virginians to commit to American citizenship.
The anniversary doesn’t take place until 2026, but there are many ongoing opportunities throughout Virginia leading up to the anniversary.
The following counties represent only a few of those localities that have been busy presenting informative activities and events during 2024 as well as planning events throughout the next few years.
Dr. Steve Harris-Scott of George Mason University presents “A Place Apart: Bound Labor in Virginia’s Upper Northern Neck, 1645-1702” at Historic Christ Church in Weems in March. Courtesy of Northern Neck 250 Committee.
On February 11, 2024, at the University of Mary Washington, Dahlgren Campus in King George, Dr. Barbara Heath from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, presents on “Conflict, Migration, and the Early Settlement of the Northern Neck.” Courtesy of Northern Neck 250 Committee.
Northern Neck
The Northern Neck 250 (NNK250) Committee is a five-county regional commemorative effort, including representatives from tourism, education, economic development, museums and historic sites, local historical and cultural groups, and government agencies. Since the committee formed, the Northern Neck has been designated a National Heritage Area, a location where natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources combine to form a nationally important landscape.
“The footprint of the NNK250 coalition mirrors the footprint of the Northern Neck National Heritage Area,” said Lisa Hull, coordinator for tourism and economic development for Northern Neck Planning District Commission.
“A lot of what we’re doing is capacity building — not only looking at the commemoration of the American Revolution, but also looking at the themes involved and how they line up with the National Heritage Area as we undergo a strategic planning process.”
The four-year commemorative experience includes a theme for each year. The theme for 2024 was “The Power of Place,” and NNK250 kicked off the commemoration with a five-part Signature Speaker Series, which concluded this summer. Topics explored included the Northern Neck as “a place apart,” bound labor in the region, archaeology at Leedstown, Rappahannock Tribe’s perspectives on freedom and independence, and mercantilism and revolution at Leedstown.
“The Indigenous Northern Neck,” an academic symposium, is planned for November.
“We’ll be focusing on the following themes in successive years: We The People; American Experiment; and Preservation and Commemoration,” said Hull.
“We’re finding there is a huge appetite for more local history. NNK250 aims to incorporate more Northern Neck history into educational curriculum, not just for K through 12, but also for universities.”
Reenactors at the Hear Ye! Hanover History Crawl in Beaverdam in Hanover County. Courtesy of Hanover County 250 Committee.
Reenactors at the Hear Ye! Hanover History Crawl in Beaverdam in Hanover County. Courtesy of Hanover County 250 Committee.
Reenactors at the Hear Ye! Hanover History Crawl in Beaverdam in Hanover County. Courtesy of Hanover County 250 Committee.
Hanover County
Hanover County commissioners, some of which represent parks and recreation, economic development, the school board, education foundations, and historical societies, are planning events across Hanover County to commemorate the VA250.
“Hanover County was the home of the fiery orator, Patrick Henry,” said Amber Hawkins, chair of the Hanover 250. “As a trading hub, we were also a gateway to westward expansion. We are ready to commemorate Hanover’s many contributions to the nation’s independence.”
During the summer, small working groups in Hanover County are presenting first-person interpreters and reenactments and pop-up exhibitions across the county.
In July, the county commemorated the Hanover Resolutions with a Community History Crawl starting from one end of the county to another, with each location highlighting things that were called for boycott in the Hanover Resolves. For example, the Scotchtown Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution served tea and Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown presented a spinning bee signifying the boycotting of British fabrics. America’s Forerunner driving tour also operated that day in coordination with the Historic Pole Green Foundation.
The day wrapped up with a commemorative reading of the Hanover Resolves, attended by distinguished guests, a gospel choir and a meet and greet in the Hanover Museum of History & Culture with the museum manager, Marc Nucup. The Hanover County Historical Society was on hand for tours of the Old Stone Jail.
The evening commemorated the event that took place on July 20, 1774, when the citizens of Hanover County met at the courthouse to instruct representatives for the upcoming Virginia Revolutionary Convention in Williamsburg. Patrick Henry and John Syme were presented with resolutions to take to this meeting.
“We have partnered with our surrounding localities to work on regional collaboration projects for 2025,” said Hawkins. “If other 250 groups would like to collaborate with Hanover County, please let us know.”
The Resolve & Revolution event in Prince William County on June 8, 2024. Photo courtesy of Prince William County 250 Committee.
The Resolve & Revolution event in Prince William County on June 8, 2024. Photo courtesy of Prince William County 250 Committee.
The Resolve & Revolution event in Prince William County on June 8, 2024. Photo courtesy of Prince William County 250 Committee.
The Resolve & Revolution event in Prince William County on June 8, 2024. Photo courtesy of Prince William County 250 Committee.
The June 6 dediciation of the Prince William Resolves marker at Merchant Park. Photo courtesy of Prince William County 250 Committee.
Prince William County
Prince William County is partnering with a collection of historical societies, state and national parks, museums, historic presentation programs and tourism, to commemorate VA250.
“No battles took place here, but a lot happened before the war that led to America’s independence,” said Rob Orrison, division manager of Prince William County Preservation.
“We are highlighting things Prince William citizens and leaders did before the war that set us up for independence.”
The Prince William County Office of Historic Preservation hosts an American Revolution War Educators Day each school year that brings hundreds of young students to Rippon Lodge Historic Site in Woodbridge, Virginia, to experience a full day of Colonial living history. Students visit as many as twenty different stations that relate to cooking, medicine, games and home front during Colonial times as well as facets of the Revolutionary War. Demonstrations focus around the march to Yorktown in 1781.
“We focus on that because we feel it’s where we can make our biggest impact exposing students to history,” he said.
Staff members also visit schools in the county with traveling trunks that contain uniforms and other hands-on activities that relate to the Revolutionary War.
In June 2024, the office commemorated the 250th anniversary of Prince William Resolves’ signing in Dumfries, Virginia, with a historical marker dedication and weekend of events.
Another project of the office is the Potomac National Scenic Trail, which includes walking portions of the Washington-Rochambeau Route. The trail is expected to be completed by 2031 which marks the 250th anniversary of the historic trek.
The foundation is currently fundraising to install a Patriots’ Memorial at Williams’ Ordinary by 2026 that will be a tribute to the county’s Revolutionary participants.
Prince William County citizens played a major role in the years leading up to and through the American Revolution. According to Orrison, Prince William was one of the first counties in Virginia to pass resolves, calling on residents of Prince William to oppose the British policies that relate to the Boston Tea Party.
“Commemorating America’s birthday is important because America has changed so much,” said Orrison. “We need to remember where we came from and why we have the freedoms and liberties we do today.”
Some of the 250 events in Botetourt County. Courtesy of Botetourt County Libraries.
Some of the 250 events in Botetourt County. Courtesy of Botetourt County Libraries.
An ice cream social as part of the 250 events in Botetourt County. Courtesy of Botetourt County Libraries.
Botetourt County
The Botetourt Preservation Partnership, a local nonprofit organization comprised of different committee groups, is working together to host a multitude of events in Botetourt County that recognize the Virginia 250 commemoration. Many of these events will stretch into 2025 and 2026.
According to Sarah Rodgers, Fincastle Library Branch Manager, the organization is planning a series of educational events that will engage the community.
Because Botetourt County formed in 1770, predating the Revolutionary War, the organization will host events that spotlight regional history and the settlement of the area.
“For example, a lecture series with Native American experts may focus on the settlement of the valley with its unique geography and how Botetourt became the county that reaches to the Mississippi that everyone knows about,” said Rodgers.
According to the VA250 website, during the early days of American history, the county line extended to the Mississippi River and included all or part of seven present-day states. The Town of Fincastle, incorporated in 1772, continues to be the county seat and home to the county courthouse.
Recognizing the importance of raising community awareness, the organization will highlight all historical events that take place on a regular basis in the county.
“Through the VA 250, we are promoting local events this summer and fall that may not necessarily point to the Revolutionary War history, but they play back to the history of our community,” she said.
Due to adverse weather, the Fourth of July fireworks in Fincastle were postponed until Labor Day.
Historic Fincastle Incorporated hosted an ice cream social this summer and the organization is preparing for an annual Fincastle Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28. Ghost tours come up in October.
“We’re in the process of planning events at wineries in the area,” said Rodgers.
The organization is showcasing local traditions around the holidays, such as the “Bells of Fincastle,” which on New Year’s Eve includes a bugle, rooftop shotgun blasts, and synchronized chimes from five of the town’s church steeples.
In the fall, historical interpreters and oral history events will spotlight the regional history.
Bob McConnell portrays Sam Adams at a Scott County event. Courtesy of Scott County Tourism.
A reenactor portrays Maggie Dunaley, who came from Ireland as an indentured servant, as part of the Scott County celebrations. Courtesy of Scott County Tourism.
Reenactors portray William Capps and his colleague Mr. McGeorge, merchants who chafe under British taxation. Courtesy of Scott County Tourism.
Sally Kelley portrays Lady Susannah Randolph of Williamsburg. Courtesy of Scott County Tourism.
A reenactor portrays blacksmith Simeon England as part of the Scott County celebrations. Courtesy of Scott County Tourism.
Scott County
Scott County has observed the VA250 commemoration with a series of reenactments that spotlight the region’s rich history by recreating the life and people of the era.
A VA250 event kicked off in April when 60 reenactors were transported back to 1774 at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield. This Colonial experience was sponsored by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association (DBWTA), Eastman Credit Union and Delegate Terry Kilgore.
Visitors to the event met Samuel Adams, Blacksmith Simeon England, William Capps, owner of the Capps and Company Warehouse, and his associate, Conner McGeorge, Maggie Delaney, an indentured servant, Lady Susannah Randolph of Williamsburg, who fears for her sons, plus a cast of assorted interesting characters.
In addition, audiences learned about the Boston Tea Party, and how the event brought the colonies together for the First Continental Congress in September 1774.
In observance of VA250, the county has held frontier demonstrations, including candle making, salt production, and tool crafting. Patriot cooks have prepared meals over an open fire for the reenactors.
Announcement by Ben Fiore-Walker, Alexandria Town Crier Photo credit: Jeff Hancock photography
Fairfax Resolves Marker Dedication on July 18, 2024. Photo credit: Jeff Hancock photography.
Nancy Hill, District V Director, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Photo credit: Jeff Hancock Photography
Remarks by Justin Wilson, Mayor of Alexandria. Photo credit: Jeff Hancock Photography
A pop-up exhibit in Alexandria. Courtesy of Alexandria 250 Committee.
The Buried Ships of Robinson Landing Exhibit. Open now through the end of the year. Courtesy of Alexandria 250 Committee.
In 2018, archaeologists discovered three historic ships in the ground under today’s Robinson Landing development. Each ship remnant was mapped before removal. Courtesy of Alexandria 250 Committee.
Archaeologists removed each timber from the site for further documentation and preservation. Courtesy of Alexandria 250 Committee.
Alexandria
Alexandria was founded in 1749 by Scottish merchants and named after John Alexander. The city was the adopted hometown of President George Washington. Over the past 275 years, Alexandria has played a significant role in the nation’s history.
From April through September, the City of Alexandria has invited the community and visitors to join them for immersive historical walks, civic celebrations, educational programming, and other fun and engaging events.
On July 18 this year, the Fairfax Resolves Program and Marker Dedication marked the 250th anniversary of a pivotal moment when Virginia Colonists penned a document that challenged British authority and inspired the fight for independence.
The evening of festivities included history booths, a marker dedication, the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps performance, and remarks by reenactors portraying George Washington and George Mason. Keynote remarks were presented by Carly Fiorina, Virginia’s National Honorary Chairperson of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission.
On July 26, visitors had a chance to see scale models of three 18th century vessel remnants excavated in 2018 at the “Buried Ships of Robinson Landing,” a pop-up waterfront exhibit located at the corner of the Strand and Pioneer Mill Way. Visitors could talk with an archaeologist and learn how these ships were used to create new land along the waterfront. The event was presented by a partnership with Robinson Landing Property Owners Association and Alexandria Archaeology.
To celebrate the City of Alexandria’s 275th birthday, the city is sponsoring an ALX275 Photo Challenge.
From July through September, photographers are invited to capture the essence of Alexandria through a camera lens. Photos should align with the theme: “Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.”
Selected photos will be featured on the City’s website and social media and displayed at city facilities. Winners will be announced at the 2024 Holiday Tree Lighting in December.
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