400 Years of History
Virginia’s unique place in American history goes back to the very beginning, with the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in 1607. Virginians played a key role in the formation of the country, with Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence and George Washington leading the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The Commonwealth’s historical sites and educational opportunities allow visitors and residents alike to contextualize and reflect on major historical events.
"Secretariat Racing Into History," Ashland
1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat was born in Caroline County and is immortalized in the “Secretariat Racing Into History” statue in Ashland.
Historic St. John’s Church in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood is best known as the site of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. The church holds public reenactments every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year.
Petersburg National Battlefield
Petersburg National Battlefield preserves sites and artifacts related to the Siege of Petersburg, the longest military event of the Civil War. The siege took nearly 300 days, cut off supplies to the Confederate capital in Richmond, and caused more than 70,000 casualties.
Jamestown Settlement
The Civil War ended when Robert E. Lee and the Confederates surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant and the Union at Appomattox Courthouse. The nearby American Civil War Museum at Appomattox features artifacts from the era, including the uniform and sword Lee wore to the surrender.
Arlington National Cemetery
George Washington’s Mount Vernon preserves the first president’s Fairfax County estate in its 18th-century glory, including museum galleries and immersive exhibits that tell the story of the first president’s life and work.
