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

[Mama_Bear]

You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by our tribute to Virginia, P8riot. (Clever screen name, BTW.) :-)

[Mama_Bear]

That you for highlighting the fine state of Virginia!

My pleasure. It is a lovely state. Thanks for coming by our Virginia thread.

Have a nice day. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

But kindly don't be using "Virginia" and "north" in the same sentence...

LOL!

[LadyX]

Your presentations of America's states are always thorough and wonderful, Mama_Bear, and appreciated!

Your attention to details and providing links to in-depth information is so very helpful. We can choose a casual stroll from border to border, or mosey off the beaten track along several interesting paths.

Virginia is a beautiful state through which I trekked many times, visited often when I lived quite nearby in Greensboro and Winston-Salem, NC for 20 years, and was also my home for two years in the 50's.

After 6 weeks of life in Norfolk as part of the Navy, we were sent to the Eastern Shore at Chincoteague Naval Air Station, and lived on the island of Chincoteague, 2 miles wide by 7 miles long.

As I have described here often, I lived in a house right on Main street 4 blocks from the center area of the town. It had been built by a sea captain, with an octoganal window overlooking the bay across the street from the second story - where I put my baby boy, 11 months old when we lived there.

The house was divided in half, from top to bottom - had sagging floors, and no insulation whatsoever - one stove in the living room with vents to (supposedly) allow flow upward to heat the top floor.
Needless to say, we spent the first few cold Spring months sleeping in the living room near the stove.

My second son was born on July 1st at the Naval Air Station, and we thus had a front row seat for the Annual Chincoteague Pony Roundup at the end of the month.
The problem was, however, I developed a severe infection with temperatures of 104 degrees for 4 days that day, and was a bit 'out of it.'
Parked my then 15-month old in his playpen on the porch, and he loved the parade past to the pens 4 blocks south..:))

About 6 years ago, that second baby boy and his family visited the island, and he found the house had been lovingly restored to a one-family abode, with modern upgrades - gave me films of them in front of it...

That September, we moved inland to a warmer house, next door to the new landlady. She was the Island Midwife, where most of the locals came to have their babies...it was a whole other world.

The original settlers of the island were English, still apparent in the speech, and mostly fisherfolks or raised chickens.

They were full of superstitions, and on another sister island nearby, reached then only by boat, they at the time did not let *outsiders* go there - most never left the island - ever - marrying among their own.

America is full of rich and vivid history, isn't it?

[iceskater]

No, I've never been there. I understand it's pretty amazing. It's on "the list." You know, that list of places to see that everyone keeps. Mine is reaaallllyyy long.

[Mama_Bear]

Yep! Proud to be a Virginian!

I would be too, if I were one. It is one of my favorite states! :-)

Thanks for coming by our tribute to Virginia thread.


The Luray Caverns - Luray, VA

[LadyX]

""Chicken and dumplings"....were they drop dumplings or my kind.....strips? Can't stand dropped dumplings. : (

Er.....if you like dropped.....that's ok, I won't hold it against you. : )"

Have to overlook poor Wolfie-from-the-Midwest and his affection for 'noodles' - yuck...:((

Hafta have those plump, delicious puffy Southern dropped ones with chicken; and with pork chops, sauerkraut and dumplings - right Cuzzin Dixie??

[Mama_Bear]

I'd also like to point out that the National D-Day Memorial is in Bedford, Virginia.

Thanks for posting that link. You are doing exactly what I hope people will do when I post a state tribute.....contribute links, memories, photos, thoughts, etc., about their state. There is so much to say about Virginia, I could not cover it all for lack of time and space.

Thanks again for your contributions today. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

What a beautiful thing you've done!!!!

How kind of you to say. I truly enjoyed putting this tribute together. It is such an interesting and beautiful state!

I'll have to go through my files and see what kind of pix I have of the Eastern Shore since we moved here last year.

Please do! I would love to have them archived on this thread. Unfortunately, the Eastern Shore didn't get much of a mention. I had to leave so much out for lack of space. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

Awwwwwwww........thanks, sweet wolfie. I needed that hug this morning.

I see you were here on the thread for awhile, being your lovable self. I hope you can come back later today and spend more time with us.

[Corin Stormhands]

Thanks again for your contributions today. :-)

Thanks to you also. I'm quite proud to be a Virginian.

[Mama_Bear]

Mornin' Mama Bear! Oh, you were so very close to having a flawless presentation. The only thing that prevented it from being perfect is the exclusion of this...... Carry Me Back to Old Virginny. But it was a good effort. :-)

Thank you, sir. Where would I be if I didn't have room for improvement? Oh, yeah.........I'd be *perfect*, and we know that isn't happening any time soon! LOL!

Thanks for the link to Virginia's state song, Old Virginny, and thanks for never failing to point me in the right direction. ;-)

((((((((T Man))))))))))

[Gabz]

My hubby is a native of Taxachusetts as well.......although he was 8 when his family moved to Delaware. Back in the 60s when it was still a reasonably decent place to raise a family.

My, my how things have changed.....that's why we moved out of Delaware to Virginia.

[Pippin]

LOL!

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for stopping by our tribute to Virginia thread. It is a beautiful state you have there. I enjoyed visiting last month and putting this presentation together....the only hard part was knowing where to stop. There is so much to say about Virginia!

Have a nice Wednesday.

[Pippin]

LOL!

It was a TYPO!

[Gabz]

What a wonderful story of your life on Chincoteague....I actually think I have seen the house you describe.

we live on the mainland, but it only takes 15-20 minutes for us to get to Chincoteague and we go frequently.

A week from today is the annual Pony Penning and parade......I'm not yet sure if we're going to go over Wednesday, yet.....may wait until Friday to watch them swim back to Assateague.....much small crowds that day.

[Pippin]

((((MAGGIE))))!

[Ligeia]

What a beautiful presentation! Another one of my favorite landmarks to visit


Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

[Gabz]

Unfortunately, the Eastern Shore didn't get much of a mention. I had to leave so much out for lack of space. :-)

That's just fine.........One thing I've learned from the locals here, the less attention paid to us the better!!!

This was the original High School in the northern part of Accomack County.......It is still standing and is currently for sale.......I live about 2 miles from it on the same road.