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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....07-21-04....Virginia, the "Old Dominion State"
Mama_Bear

Posted on 07/21/2004 12:52:54 AM PDT by Mama_Bear



A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.
We're having fun and hope you are!

~ Billie, Mama_bear, dutchess, Aquamarine,





We're
"On the Road Again"...

Please join "A Few of FR's Finest" as we make a cyber-visit to another state in this great Union of ours.

Over the past several months each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state for the Finest Thread. The remaining states are being presented, about one a month, in random order. We hope you are enjoying these visits to our beautiful United States. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your state. I would appreciate your input on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states
we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama
06-27-03 Maryland
07-11-03 Vermont
07-25-03 Utah
08-05-03 Texas
08-22-03 Nevada
08-26-03 Wash DC
09-05-03 Tennessee
09-17-03 Florida
09-19-03 Minnesota
10-03-03 New Mexico

10-14-03 Georgia
10-17-03 Louisiana
10-22-03 Michigan
11-04-03 South Dakota
11-14-03 California
01-09-04 South Carolina
02-06-04 West Virginia
02-20-04 Oregon
03-09-04 Pennsylvania
03-30-04 Wyoming
04-13-04 Mississippi
04-27-04 Missouri
05-25-04 Indiana



Today we are visiting Virginia, the "Old Dominion State", and we salute the Fine FReepers who call Virginia home. Thank you all for making FreeRepublic the best conservative forum on the internet.







Named for England's "Virgin Queen," Elizabeth I,
Virginia entered into the Union on June 25, 1788,
the 10th of the original 13 colonies.

On April 17, 1861 Virginia would secede from
the Union and Richmond would be named
as the Capital of The Confederate States.






"The story of Virginia is the story of us all. It is the story of rich and poor, farmers and industrialists, men and women, black and white. It is the story of successive struggles for freedom and equality that both foreshadow and mirror the story of America. It is the story of individuals who through the centuries forged new identities through compromise and conflict."
....excerpt from a book review of "The Story of Virginia", By James C. Kelly.




A condensed timeline of
Virginia's rich history...


1607—The first permanent settlement is established at Jamestown...

The Story of
John Smith and Pocahontas


The Jamestown colonists decided that only one man had enough leadership or experience to lead them. That man was John Smith. Smith took responsibility for exploring the surrounding environs, traveling up several of the region’s many rivers. He prepared a remarkably accurate map, based on his excursions. Smith also became the chief contact with the neighboring Native Americans, Algonkian-speaking members of the Powhatan Confederacy. In December 1607, Smith was abducted by tribal members. According to one of Smith’s accounts, he was rescued from execution by the pleas of the chief’s daughter, Pocahontas. Later authorities have speculated that Smith simply misinterpreted an Indian adoption ritual.

Pocahontas ("playful one"), maintained friendly relations with the Jamestown settlers, bringing them food and warning them of an impending attack by her father’s warriors. In 1613, an English official attempted to retrieve settlers imprisoned by Powhatan by luring Pocahontas aboard a ship and holding her hostage. Although she was reputedly the chief’s favorite daughter, he refused to exchange prisoners. Pocahontas remained in captivity, was converted to Christianity, took the name Rebecca and in 1614, with her father’s consent, married colonist John Rolfe. This marriage ushered in an eight-year period of improved relations between the Indians and the colonists.

Officials of the Virginia Company seized upon the Pocahontas story and devised an early form of a public relations campaign. The Rolfes, their infant son and several other natives were taken to England as guests of the company. Pocahontas was a sensation in English social circles. The Virginia Company hoped that interest in their colony would be enhanced by their proof that Indians could be "civilized."

Pocahontas died in 1617 at the age of 22 while preparing to return to Virginia and is buried at Gravesend. Her son Thomas Rolfe was educated in England, but later went to Virginia where he enjoyed great business success and was the forebear of many of the colony's most distinguished families.



1619—Establishment of the House of Burgesses.

1624—Virginia Becomes a Royal Colony (Virginia Company charter revoked).

1674—The Bacon rebellion fights for colonial rights in Western Virginia.

1693—The College of William and Mary founded at Williamsburg.

1698—October 31, A fire destroys Jamestown, the seat of government is moved to Williamsburg (in 1699).





The Revolutionary War (1775-1783)


In March 1775, Patrick Henry urged his fellow Virginians to arm in self-defense, closing his appeal (uttered at St. John's Church in Richmond, where the legislature was meeting) with the immortal words: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."

Click here to listen to
Patrick Henry's Famous Speech

(performed by Richard Schuman as the character
of Patrick Henry for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.)


1776—Virginia adopts its first constitution and declares independence.

1788—Virginia becomes the 10th state.

1831—Nat Turner leads a slave revolt.





The Civil War in Virginia

Richmond was capital of the Confederate States of America from May 1861 until April 1865 - only one hundred miles or so separated the two warring capitols, and thousands died fighting at places no one had heard of before, places like Cold Harbor, Chancellorsville, Malvern Hill, Spotsylvania, Brandy Station and the North Anna River. More fell during encounters at places that had no name.

"First Manassas" is remembered as the first major land battle of the Civil War, won by inexperienced Confederates who routed an equally raw Union force. Confederate Gen. Thomas J. Jackson became "Stonewall" for his role in the fighting. The second battle at Manassas, the battle of Bull Run, also a dramatic Confederate victory, was much bloodier. More than 3,000 soldiers were killed during the battle.



Richmond Falls.....


"Through the winter and early spring of 1865, while Union armies ranged at will across the South, Richmond still glittered with the hard defiance of a city long at war. But this last flicker of resolve only made the city's fall all the more devastating. On the night of April 2, faced with the inevitability of northern victory, Jefferson Davis and his cabinet fled, leaving Richmond to its fate—fire, capture, and the end of hope for a southern nation."....excerpt from a book review of "Richmond Burning", By Nelson Lankford.




1870—Virginia re-enters the United States with Richmond as her capital.







Famous Virginians
Virginia has supplied more presidents to the United States than any other state. The following were born in The Old Dominion.....

* George Washington
* Thomas Jefferson *
* James Madison *
* James Monroe *
* William Henry Harrison *
* John Tyler *
* Zachary Taylor *
* Woodrow Wilson *


More Fine Virginians...

Richard Arlen actor, Charlottesville
Arthur Ashe tennis player, Richmond
Pearl Bailey singer, Newport News
Warren Beatty actor, Richmond
Richard E. Byrd polar explorer, Winchester
Roy Clark country music artist, Meaherrin
William Clark explorer, Caroline Cty
Henry Clay statesman, Hanover Cty
Joseph Cotten actor, Petersburg
Ella Fitzgerald jazz singer, Newport News
Patrick Henry statesman, Hanover Cty
Sam Houston political leader, Rockbridge Cty
Robert E. Lee Confederate general, Stratford
Meriwether Lewis explorer, Ambemarle Cty
Shirley MacLaine actress, Richmond
John Marshall jurist, Germantown
Cyrus Hall McCormick inventor, Rockbridge Cty
Opechancanough Powhatan leader
John Payne actor, Roanoke
Walter Reed army surgeon, Gloucester Cty
Matthew Ridgway Army Chief of Staff, Fort Monroe
Bill Bojangles Robinson dancer, Richmond
George C. Scott actor, Wise
Sam Snead golfer, Hot Springs
James Jeb Stuart Confederate army officer, Patrick Cty
Thomas Sumter General, Hanover Cty
Nat Turner leader of slave uprising, Southhampton Cty
Booker T. Washington educator, Franklin Cty





July in Virginia means it's that time again for some of the most popular festivals known around the world.

And with the unveiling of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia presents 17 historic sites to honor "The Greatest Generation" on the World War II Heritage Trail.




After having visited this state on my recent vacation, I can attest to the fact that Virginia is a perfect vacation destination!

Click on the region you plan to visit, and be
sure to allow LOTS of time and wear comfortable shoes:

Shenandoah Valley | Eastern Shore | Central Virginia
Northern Virginia | Heart of Appalachia
Blue Ridge Highlands | Chesapeake Bay | Hampton Roads



And while you are visiting Virginia,
keep your eye out for their state symbols...







The following websites provided
graphics, information and text...

Virginia is for Lovers
50 States.com
Virginia - America's Story
The Civil War Traveler - Virginia




Have a Fine Wednesday!



THIS WEEK'S THREADS

07-19-04 Military Monday
07-20-04 Fly Me To The Moon
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Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons; US: Virginia
KEYWORDS: civilwar; dixie; finest; freepers; fun; history; revolution; state; suprises; travel; tribute; virginia
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To: LadyX
Mama_Bear is an Angel Bear!!

Awwwww........ :-)

Sweet dreams, LadyX.

161 posted on 07/21/2004 9:39:24 PM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: Mama_Bear; LadyX; Gabz

G'night, MB - LadyX.
T'was a great trip to Virginia today, and your co-tour guide was fantastic.


162 posted on 07/21/2004 9:47:05 PM PDT by Diver Dave (Stay Prayed Up)
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To: Mama_Bear; LadyX

Thank you so much - I had a wonderful time....and I look forward to helping out with Delaware.


163 posted on 07/22/2004 4:17:34 AM PDT by Gabz (Ted Kennedy's driving has killed more people than second hand smoke)
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To: Mama_Bear; dutchess
I like that story!

I was rescued by lonestar. Then a squirrel poisoned me! But I had about 5 good years in between.

I'm happy for you, Aunt dutchess. So is Codee. We did a "happy dance."

Weinie

164 posted on 07/22/2004 7:19:08 AM PDT by lonestar (Me, too!--Weinie)
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To: lonestar; All
Goodmorning FR Friends...it's another day...please join us for another JohnHuang2 Home Run! HERE
165 posted on 07/22/2004 7:27:53 AM PDT by dutchess
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To: lonestar
We did a "happy dance."

Now what a picture that brings to mind! LOL.

166 posted on 07/22/2004 10:22:51 PM PDT by Mama_Bear
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To: Mama_Bear
Hello Mama Bear!

I just ran across your tribute to my home state of Virginia - beautiful, beautiful work! You and your "FR Finest" FRiends are so talented.

I was wondering if you have a "tube" for the dogwood branch that you would be willing to share with me. Thank you in advance, Spotsy

167 posted on 07/31/2004 10:03:27 AM PDT by Spotsy (The news media should report the news, not manufacture it)
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To: Mama_Bear

Thanks fer this tribute to the Old Dominion...we are proud of our state and you did a very nice job of briefly capturing the history of the place...MUD


168 posted on 02/23/2005 1:39:39 PM PST by Mudboy Slim (Decrease the Federal Expenditures as a percentage of GDP from its present 20% to 12% by 2013!!)
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To: Mudboy Slim
Thanks fer this tribute to the Old Dominion...we are proud of our state and you did a very nice job of briefly capturing the history of the place...MUD

Hey, MUD! You're welcome. Virginia is a beautiful state rich in history. It's hard to do a "brief" history re-cap on that state...there is so much to cover.

My husband and I spent part of our vacation in VA last summer. We went to Manassas battlefield, drove down skyline drive, then down to Williamsburg. Only spent three days there. We need to come back, there are many things we didn't get a chance to see.

Glad you enjoyed my Virginia presentation.

169 posted on 02/23/2005 1:48:55 PM PST by Mama_Bear
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To: Mama_Bear
"We need to come back, there are many things we didn't get a chance to see."

Please give me some warning next time and I'll work up a list of good things to see.

FReegards...MUD

170 posted on 02/23/2005 1:55:12 PM PST by Mudboy Slim (Decrease the Federal Expenditures as a percentage of GDP from its present 20% to 12% by 2013!!)
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