About VA250
From the first English settlement at Jamestown to the surrender of the British at Yorktown. From “Give me liberty or give me death” to “all men are created equal.” From Washington and Jefferson to Madison and Monroe. From Powhatan and Pocahontas to James Armistead Lafayette and Gowan Pamphlet. From the ideas that inspired it to the battlefields that decided it. There is simply no America without it, and no better time than now to reconnect with your country in the place that made it possible.
The Semiquincentennial is not simply about our past; it reflects how our founding continues to shape our present and future. Our founders knew there was more work required 250 years ago, and work remains to be done. This is why the VA250 Commission has chosen “To Form a More Perfect Union” as its theme.
The overarching goals of VA250 are:
- to educate Americans, including our students, about our history, our founding ideals, and our system of government;
- to engage with every community and every Virginia locality in events that tell a complete story; and
- to inspire us all to commit to the values inherent in American citizenship.
Thank you to our VA250 Community Partners!
Things to Do: Revolutionary Sites & Events in Virginia
"Virginia is for history lovers, and revolutionary history can be found all across the Commonwealth. From historical sites and museums to events commemorating historic milestones in Virginia history, the American Revolution can be felt in every corner of the state. Explore Virginia’s living history, interactive exhibits, tours, events, festivals and more and discover why Virginia’s history is America’s story!"
From VA250, Things to Do
VA250 Events at the Library
Pop Culture Trivia: American History, part of a series
Founding Fathers' Independence Celebration
Civic Lab: Local History, part of a series
What's Turning 250 This Year
Patrick Henry’s "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death" Speech
March 23, 1775
Patrick Henry’s impassioned speech about the rights of colonies, delivered before a Virginia assembly, became the rallying cry of the revolution.
Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
April 18–19, 1775
Paul Revere rode from Charlestown to Lexington to warn Revolutionary leaders that the British were marching toward Concord. He arranged his famous signal lanterns in Boston’s Old North Church steeple: “One if by land, and two if by sea.”
Battles of Lexington and Concord
April 19, 1775
These first skirmishes marked the official beginning of the American Revolution. It is still unknown which side fired the first shots.
Battle of Bunker Hill
June 17, 1775
The first major engagement of the Revolution, the Battle of Bunker Hill, was fought in what is now part of Boston. The British eventually claimed victory but at a heavy casualty cost.
July 5, 1775
The Olive Branch Petition was adopted by Congress to be sent to the King as a last attempt to prevent formal war from being declared. The Petition emphasized their loyalty to the British crown and emphasized their rights as British citizens.
From the American Battlefield Trust
What's Turning 250 Next Year
January 10, 1776
Common Sense was a 47-page pamphlet authored by Thomas Paine, a recent English immigrant. In electric prose, Paine made a forceful case in defense of separation. On multiple scores, the pamphlet radiated a radical democratic spirit. In plain, unadorned writing, it appealed to the common capacities of all people to evaluate the case for independence Common Sense seized public opinion, propelling American colonists toward independence.
See more about the pamphlet here.
February 27, 1776
In Currie, North Carolina, Loyalist forces anticipated support from a British army arriving along the coast. The Patriots achieved a victory that solidified their control of North Carolina. Additionally, their victory served as a major deterrent for Loyalist support until the opening of the Southern Campaign four years later.
From the American Battlefield Trust
Declaration of Independence: A Transcription
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
See the full transcript from the National Archives.
August 27, 1776
George Washington’s efforts to fortify New York City from a British attack led to the Revolutionary War’s biggest battle.
The crushing defeat for the Americans allowed Britain to hold the valuable port until the end of the war.
From the American Battlefield Trust
The Battle of Trenton
After crossing the Delaware River in a treacherous storm, General George Washington’s army defeated a garrison of Hessian mercenaries at Trenton. The victory set the stage for another success at Princeton a week later and boosted the morale of the American troops. Only 5 Americans were wounded in the Battle of Trenton; no casualties. The Americans also managed to capture critical supplies, including food and clothing, in the process.
