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

Mama_Bear

[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

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

CLICK

[Pippin]

I ate some mushrooms yesterday!

just like a GOOD hoobit! :0)

[Gabz]

Is that an invite? : )

My door is always open...and I have this problem of tending to cook enough to feed an army!!!

Mashed potatoes AND dumplings???? That's a bit rich for my taste!

I can honestly only remember having chicken and dumplings once when I was growing up, and they were drop dumplings.......but that's not surprising since I grew up in NYC. I more than made up for that deprivation during my 21 years of living in Delaware!!!! By far the best I have ever eaten were made by the Ladies' Auxillary of the Bridgeville VFD.

Other than what I make at home, I haven't had any since we moved to Virginia last year.

[Pippin]

STOP IT!!!

You're making me hungry! :0)

[Mama_Bear]

Wow ---nice job.

Thank you! Sorry I missed your reply last night. I posted the thread and then headed off to bed.

Virginia is a beautiful state, isn't it? So much history there!

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning, FRiend. Happy Wednesday to you!

[Gabz]

LOL!!! Me too.....and I still need to go to the supermarket!!!

But no cooking in this house today....too danged hot - I'm just planning on salads for dinner. We picked a whole basket of tomatoes yesterday and I've got more out there to get today.....but this one is my favorite!!!

[Pippin]

LoL!

I would say sometihn about that pic but this IS a family thread, LOL!

But I'm thinking of a nice tomato sandwich with a fresh sun-ripened slice of tomato and mayonais on toast. YUM! YUM!

[Mama_Bear]

Mornin' Gail. Biscuits sound great this morning, and so does Chicken and Dumplings! Haven't had that in ages!

Have a nice day, Finest GailA. :-)

[ST.LOUIE1]

My door is always open...and I have this problem of tending to cook enough to feed an army!!!

You won't have any leftovers if I show up! : )p> Mashed potatoes AND dumplings???? That's a bit rich for my taste!

Try it, you'll love it.

I more than made up for that deprivation during my 21 years of living in Delaware!!!!

LOL

Other than what I make at home, I haven't had any since we moved to Virginia last year.

Then they're gonna taste extra special this weekend. : )

[Mama_Bear]

Good morning to our Finest Weinie and lonestar!

Loafing and playing golf? Sounds good to me. :-)

[ST.LOUIE1]

I ate some mushrooms yesterday!
just like a GOOD hoobit! :0)

Good for you!

Um.....is a 'hoobit' a step up or a step below a 'hobbit? LOL

Sorry, babe, the typo was too funny to pass up. : )

[Gabz]

The comments regarding that tomato on the WFTD thread have been a bit interesting to say the least!!!!

But in order to prove that picture did not cme from some off the wall website, I offer this picture of my daughter, shortly after she picked the offending fruit!!!

The folks at WFTD know my daughter and so did conceed it was not a faked photo!!!

[ST.LOUIE1]

I would say sometihn about that pic but this IS a family thread, LOL!

Was your mouth out with soap! Bad girl. : (

LOL

TTYL Gotta leave for a while. : )

[Mama_Bear]

I'll have to see if I can find some good pics to add to the mix. seeing that I lived there last year.

Oh, please do! I love it when people contribute information, graphics and photos to our state threads.

I did work with James Madison's 5th generation grandson.

Really? I love the history of the east coast. I would be proud to be a born and raised Virginian, if I weren't a native Massachusetts(ian?).......which I am also pround of - politics aside, of course. LOL.

[Mama_Bear]

Hey, Pippin!!

I fell in love with Virginia, from the minute we got off the plane at Dulles. So beautiful and GREEN! I only wish we had allowed more of our vacation time for Virginia. I just feel like we flew through there. It's all kind of a blur.

I have so many photos that JK took, I am going to see if I can go through them and find some to post here.

Wednesday Hobbit Hugs to you!

[Mama_Bear]

Virginia is such a beautiful place, full of history and gorgeous landscapes. You covered this State well Mama Bear with a lovely presentation.

Thank you! You always give such sweet compliments to our Finest efforts, Sistah. :-)

While visiting there I enjoyed seeing the historical Williamsburg style brick homes that dot the countryside.

Yes, we actually got to go to Williamsburg, but should have allowed more time. It really takes two full days to see it properly. Not only did I miss many of the historical points of interest.......I also missed many of the gift shops!

Seriously, I just love the feeling of knowing I am walking where our founding fathers walked. :-)

Virginia has American class.Yes indeed!

Have a pleasant Wednesday, Aqua.

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' MB.
Beautiful presentation of a beautiful state.
Looking forward to those "70 Virginians" giving the terrorists their just rewards.

[Diver Dave]

Mornin' Louie. Good to see ya and good to be seen. :)

[Mama_Bear]

You have a beautiful state there, Corin. I thoroughly enjoyed the few days we spent in Virginia last month. I only wish we had allowed more time.

Skyline Drive was just beautiful, as were the Luray Caverns that we toured....and Williamsburg was so very interesting.

We saw this beautiful creature while we were on our way to the Manassas Battlefield....

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for highlighting my state! Wonderful job!

It was my pleasure! Virginia is truly a beautiful state. I am so glad we included it in our vacation travel plans last month...although we didn't include enough time there.

Have you been to the Luray Caverns? They are something to see!

Have a nice day, Finest iceskater!