American Revolution Memorial
Historical marker location:1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament, imposing a tax on American colonists for various printed materials. This sparks widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.
1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, resulting in the death of five colonists. The event further escalates tensions between the colonists and British authorities.
1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place as colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dump tea from British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.
1774: The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather to discuss grievances against British policies and plan a united response.
1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American colonial militia. The "shot heard 'round the world" ignites the Revolutionary War.
1776: On July 4, the Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document asserts the colonies' independence from Britain and outlines the principles of individual rights and self-government.
1777: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in New York proves to be a turning point in the war. It convinces the French to openly support the American cause and enter the war as allies.
1778: The Treaty of Alliance is signed between the United States and France, formalizing their military alliance. France provides crucial support to the American forces, including troops, naval assistance, and financial aid.
1781: The Siege of Yorktown takes place in Virginia, where combined American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, successfully trap British General Cornwallis and his troops. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, effectively ending major hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognizes the independence of the United States and establishes its boundaries. The treaty also grants fishing rights to American fishermen in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
1787: The Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation.
1788: The United States Constitution is ratified by the required number of states and goes into effect. It establishes a strong federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the new federal government is established in New York City.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the American Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous other battles, diplomatic negotiations, and developments that occurred during this period.
In 1619, the Virginia House of Burgesses became the first representative assembly in the Americas. It was the beginning of a tradition of representative government that would later influence the creation of the United States government.
During the American Revolutionary War, Prince Edward County played a significant role as a strategic location between the cities of Richmond and Petersburg. The county saw various skirmishes and military movements, with many local residents joining the fight for independence. After the war, the county's economy mainly depended on tobacco plantations, which were worked by both enslaved African Americans and white indentured servants.
In the mid-19th century, Prince Edward County became known for its prominent educational institutions. Hampden-Sydney College, one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States, was founded in 1775 and continues to operate to this day. Additionally, in 1896, the Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute (now known as Virginia State University) was established in nearby Ettrick, providing higher education for African American students.
However, the county's history took a darker turn during the era of segregation. In 1951, the local public schools were closed as a result of the infamous Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County case. The white-dominated local government responded to the Supreme Court's ruling on school desegregation by closing all public schools for five years rather than integrating them. The "Massive Resistance" movement in the county gained national attention and left thousands of African American students without access to education until the schools reopened in 1959.
Today, Prince Edward County is a thriving community that encompasses both rural landscapes and vibrant towns. Its history, though marked by both progress and challenges, serves as a reminder of the county's resilience and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Prince Edward County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Prince Edward County, Virginia.
- 1608: Captain John Smith explores the area.
- 1754: Prince Edward County is formed from parts of Amelia County.
- 1807: The town of Farmville is established as the county seat.
- 1819: Hampden-Sydney College, the oldest privately chartered college in the southern United States, is founded.
- 1865: During the American Civil War, Prince Edward County is occupied by Union forces.
- 1951: The Racial Integrity Act, requiring racial purity in marriage, is unsuccessfully challenged in the county.
- 1959: Prince Edward County shuts down public schools in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, leading to the "Lost Schools" period.
- 1964: The Supreme Court orders the reopening of public schools, ending the "Lost Schools" period.