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

[Gabz]

You may laugh - but that is an honest to goodness Eastern Shore Virginny tomato........

[Ligeia]

Carry Me Back to Old Virginny

Thanks! A link to the lyrics is posted on my profile page!

[Gabz]

Here's one of my favorite links for Eastern Shore "stuff"...

GHOTES

GHOTES (Genealogy & Historie Of The Eastern Shore) of Virginia.

[dutchess]

What a beautiful, interesting informative thread today Lori. Kudos for another wonderful cyber tour!

[dutchess]

Hi Billie. So sorry I missed your thread yesterday. A virus got our computers at work AND home even though we have Norton antivirus at both places. Fortunately it was nothing too serious, the tech person cleaned us out and we're good to go!

Anyway, yesterday's thread was awesome. 35 years ago...geesh...we're getting old...but then again...it beats the alternative! Have a great day!

[Mama_Bear]

Mornin' MB. Beautiful presentation of a beautiful state.

Thank you, sir. Your compliments are always appreciated.

I can highly recommend Virginia as a vacation destination. It is about the greenest state I have ever seen (you know how we lack for "green" here in our golden Central Valley, LOL), and history everywhere!

I love being where our founding fathers walked.....it's like hallowed ground to me. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

What a beautiful, interesting informative thread today Lori. Kudos for another wonderful cyber tour!

Thank you, sistah. It is a truly beautiful state.

Please add me to your Rusty ping list. I have been looking for updates on the arrival of your new family addition. He is sure a good looking dog, and it is a wonderful thing you are doing by bringing him into your life. :-)

[LadyX]

Many of you have read Misty The Chincoteague Pony based on the annual roundup of wild ponies (probably there from wrecked Spanish ships long ago) from the National Reserve Island on nearby Assateague Island.

It is vital to control the herds so they will not overpopulate the Reserve and thus starve, with too many mouths for the amount of forage. They also are checked for diseases, etc.
This year, it should be next week for the drive down Main Street to the pens for visitors to see and buy some of the overage.

Click on the link below for one description of this - who does it - etc.

CLICK HERE

Saltwater Cowboys make their way through a marsh
on the banks of the Assateague Channel
during the 74th Annual Chincoteague
Pony Swim and Roundup

[firewalk]

This is a wonderful thread Mama_Bear
Thanks for the ping Lady X

Was traveling through Virginia just last year.
On our way back home with that "new" Marine in tow, after seeing him graduate.
...& saw the most spectactular sunset while driving through

hope you're having a very good day

[Gabz]

This year, it should be next week for the drive down Main Street to the pens for visitors to see and buy some of the overage.

You are correct - it is next Wednesday.

The ponies are technically owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and the proceeds of the annual auction (on Thursday) provide the fund for the care of the herd and for the VFD itself.

The ponies not sold at the thursday auction are herded back to Assateague at low tide on Friday.

I want to see the return swim on Friday this year - I've never seen that.<P. When we did the Wednesday swim 2 years ago we lucked out and were with only about 15 yards of where they came ashore....it was awesome.

[LadyX]

Pony Swim 2000 Auction

Eighty four ponies were auctioned off Thursday.
The average selling price was about $2000.
One horse went for $7500.

The Chincoteague Fire Department made more than $173,000 from the auction.

The auction helps keep the herd size to about 150 horses. That is the maximum number that the government says can be supported on the grazing lands in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague.

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks for another interesting link.

Actually, I don't know much about the different regions of Virginia, but I assume Norfolk is on the Eastern Shore....since you can't get much further east and still be in Virginia, LOL. I lived there for awhile when my dad was stationed at the naval base. Graduated from Granby HS........way back when.

Mostly I remember how beautiful the beach was there. White sand and warm water (neither of which we have along our CA coast.....not that I don't love it here for many other reasons).

Granby High School, Norfolk, VA

[Mama_Bear]

I would have liked to have visited Chincoteague Island, but there wasn't time when we were there. I remembered your earlier posts about the ponies, Maggie. Would have loved to have seen them.

I love what you both are adding to this thread and I am so pleased to see so many proud Virginians coming today. It makes the long hours of putting the tribute together well worth it. :-)

[Darksheare]

Afternoon.
Been wandering as per usual.
Been battling trolls here and there.
They're resisting having their souls drained today.
Seems they're figuring out how to resist that.

[LadyX]

Saw your response after I posted the two replies about the roundup!
It's an awesome thing, isn't it?

The Link I gave goes to the explanation of who does it, etc. Check it out.

You proably would recognize the big house I lived in right on Main Street, close to downtown - restored now, with the distinctive - as you face the house - on the upper left - room with a bay window for a clear view of the bay.

There used to be a very small general store across the street and (a 'house or two'?) farther south - on a lip of the shore.

That perhaps is gone now.

There were *TWO* hurricanes that came there when I was there in 1955, and we had to go stay with friends on the Naval Air Station so we would not be isolated or without power, with two babies to care for.

There was only one bridge across then.

[LadyX]

In our day, Norfolk abounded with (this is true!) Lawn Signs on many yards that read:

"Sailors and Dogs - -
Keep Off The Grass" --

Wonder in this day of 'politically correct,' this is still so....

[Pippin]

I'm laughing WITH you! ;0)

[Mama_Bear]

This is a wonderful thread Mama_Bear

Thank you, BIS. I'm glad you enjoyed it. We recently spent a couple days of our vacation in Virginia, but we didn't allow half enough time to see everything we wanted to see. We did get to spend a day at Williamsburg. What a fun way to learn history, by actually being there. :-)

Yes, I am having a good day. I am enjoying visiting with many Finest FRiends and proud Virginians on the thread. You have a good day too. :-)

[Gabz]

but I assume Norfolk is on the Eastern Shore

Don't let a native of the Shore hear you say that.........

The Eastern Shore is on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay from Norfolk, which is (obviously) on the Western shore.

The Eastern Shore consists of Accomack and Northhampton counties and is the southern part of what is called the DelMarVa penninsula (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia)

Yes I know I sound like some kind of a tour kind here, but when I first moved to Delaware in 1982 I was fascinated with the history of the region, and the concept of "DelMarVA" and so have done a lot of looking into it all. Back in the mid 80s I worked in radio in Maryland on its Eastern shore and now that I live in Virginia I'm continuing my interest in the entire region.

sorry for my rambling - I just have a total love of the area and so enjoy educating folks about it.