This Week in Virginia History

Episode Notes This week in 1912, Virginia experienced a debilitating six-week cold snap, the longest and most severe in state history. Snow and plummeting temperatures contributed to train wrecks, water shortages, and even exploding water tanks. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1936, as a part of a national program collecting the stories of former enslaved people, reporter Claude Anderson talked with 87-year old Richard Slaughter. Slaughter had been born into an enslaved family in Virginia, but fled to freedom during the Civil War. During the interview, Slaughter recalled an encounter with none other than Abraham Lincoln. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1864, the Union army destroyed the Confederate salt mines in Saltville, a blow to the Confederate army that marked a turning point in the Civil War. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1974, Mills Godwin became the first and only Virginia governor elected for two (nonconsecutive) terms -- and he ran on different political tickets each time. He's often remembered for bolstering Virginia's public schools and creating the state's community college system. However, he played a darker role in Virginia's education policy as well. As senator and lieutenant governor, Godwin had been instrumental in the massive resistance laws that prevented school integration. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1769... when the House of Burgesses sponsored at ball at Williamsburg’s capitol building, Virginian women shunned fine Bristish fabrics and showed up in homespun gowns. This was seen as a patriotic act of defiance, and inspired women all over America to wear homespun in protest of British policies. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1710... a prominent Virginia politician meets a grisly end. Daniel Parke quickly ascended to the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Governor's Council, before being awarded governorship of the Leeward Islands. But despite his political successes, his difficult personality won him enemies. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1786... James Lafayette submitted a petition for his freedom from enslavement. During the American Revolution, Lafayette's espionage helped lead Americans to victory against the British. But despite his wartime contributions, the Virginia General Assembly rejected his petition. It was only after enlisting the help of the Marquis de Lafayette that James Lafayette was granted his freedom. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1949... as automobiles took over America's roads, Richmond officials destroyed the last of their electric streetcars, which had roamed Richmond's streets for more than 60 years. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1805... a year and a half after leaving St. Louis, Virginians Lewis and Clark and their "Corps of Discovery" reached the Pacific Ocean. This podcast is powered by Pinecast .

Episode Notes This week in 1775... Lord Dunmore promised freedom to all indentured servants and enslaved people who fought for the British against the American revolutionaries.

Episode Notes This week in 1870... Virginia created a state-wide system of free public schools.

Episode Notes This week in 1867, Unionist John B. Eastham resigns just days after his election to the Constitutional Convention in Richmond.

Episode Notes This week in 1944... In MMiddlesex County, Virginia, Irene Morgan refuses to sit at the back of the bus.

Episode Notes This week in 1861, Richmond opened Chimborazo Hospital. With 150 buildings and capacity of up to 3600 patients, it was the largest hospital in the south at the time.

Episode Notes This week in 1842... George and Rebecca Latimer escaped slavery in Virginia. Their story and the challenges they faced inspired the 1843 Liberty Law, which forbid Massachusetts officers to arrest, detain, or deliver any fugitive slave back to their enslaver.

Episode Notes This week in 1856... Eyre Crowe's illustrations of Richmond auction houses spread awareness of the horrors of the domestic slave trade.

Episode Notes This week in 1893... after a white woman made allegations against him, Thomas Smith became targeted by a mob of white people in Roanoke. Smith's name is engraved on a tablet at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about the Memorial, and the brutal history of sanctioned violence against African Americans, at their website: museumandmemorial.eji.org/memorial .

Episode Notes This week in 1663... a group of nine indentured servants attempted to kidnap the Governor to demand their freedom. But things did not go according to plan.

Episode Notes This week in 1881... The Monticello Wine Company thrived as one of the largest and most prestigious wineries in the South. As business boomed and vintage's won awards, no one could have foreseen such a fiery disaster in the company's future.

Episode Notes This week in 1768... Virginia was in need of a new governor and Narbonne Berkeley, the baron of Botetourt, saw his chance to move up in the world. Despite his allegiance to the Crown, Berkley was the man of the people and quickly rose to local-celebrity status amongst Virginians.

Episode Notes This week in 1864... During the Civil War, the sleepy town of City Point, Virginia became the main supply depot and headquarters for the Union Army. This drew the unwanted attention of the Confederate secret service, who tasked a special agent to wreak as much havoc as possible.

Episode Notes This week in 1907... the state of Virginia honored the 300th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. In celebration, a grand exposition was held to showcase the artistic and scientific achievements of era. A special appearance by Booker T. Washington helped highlight the voices and history of Black creators.

Episode Notes This week in 1916... Spottswood Robinson III excelled beyond measure as a student at Howard Law School. But graduating at the top of his class and setting a record for the highest grade point average was just a taste of his success yet to come.

Episode Notes This is a special edition of This Week in Virginia History produced for the Cville Puzzle Hunt to be held in Charlottesville on Saturday, August 27, 2022. More info at CvillePuzzleHunt.com .

Episode Notes This week in 1962… Sarah Lee Fain was a woman of firsts. She began her civic career as a teacher in Norfolk and joined the Leagues of Women Voters in 1920. After some encouragement from her friends to run for public office, Sarah's political career took off.