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Cardinal News 250 is a special journalism and community storytelling project exploring the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and America’s founding through the history, people and culture of Southwest and Southside Virginia. Featuring original reporting, Virginia history stories, Revolutionary War coverage, Appalachian history, local heritage, historic landmarks, museums, genealogy, podcasts, community events and educational content, Cardinal News 250 highlights the important role rural Virginia communities played in shaping the nation. Focused on Southwest Virginia history, Southside Virginia history and the lasting legacy of the Revolutionary era, the project connects readers with untold stories, regional traditions and compelling journalism rooted in Virginia’s past and present.
Want to explore more? Check out our podcast as well as our collection of Cardinal News 250 stories below and join us in rediscovering Virginia’s rich history. This series is published as part of a national effort by local newsrooms to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. See coverage from other newsrooms here.
Cardinal News 250 Podcast
Dive deeper into history with our podcast, hosted by Dutchie Jessee, where historians, journalists and others bring these stories to life. Find it wherever you get your podcasts, and catch the latest episodes in our monthly newsletter.
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Cardinal news 250 story collection
John Adams despised one Virginian in particular, calling him ‘obscene,’ ‘profane’ and ‘impious.’ It wasn’t Jefferson.
Benjamin Harrison was known for being a steadying influence at the Continental Congress and was respected enough that he was chosen to preside over the debates on independence. He also had a wit and a taste for food and drink that offended some New Englanders.
Jefferson wanted to condemn slavery in the Declaration of Independence. Congress said no.
Jefferson also wanted to condemn Lord Dunmore’s Emancipation Proclamation that offered freedom to Virginia’s slaves in exchange for fighting with the British, but Congress watered that down to the point where you wouldn’t recognize it unless you knew the back story.
Jefferson gets the acclaim for independence, but it was another Virginian who first proposed a formal break from Britain
Richard Henry Lee has become something of a forgotten founder, reduced to a comic figure in the musical “1776” or ignored altogether. But he was the one who first formally proposed that the Continental Congress declare the Colonies independent.
Who inspired Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence? Shakespeare.
The rhythms of Shakespeare helped shape the Declaration of Independence, says a Jefferson interpreter. In an age when many were illiterate, the Declaration, like Shakespeare’s work, was written to be heard, not just read.
Col. Lynch had Loyalists tied to a tree and whipped until they cried ‘Liberty Forever!’ That’s where the term ‘Lynch law’ comes from.
The name of the Altavista judge and militia colonel has gone into history for something he didn’t do. He never executed anyone.
Dispatch from 1776: Prompted by a Virginian, Congress is about to vote on independence
If this independence enterprise fails, the word that surely applies is treason. Men in England have been hanged for less. If, though, it should succeed, Lee’s resolution will mark the start of a new era the likes of which we have not seen: A new nation upon the earth.
Podcast: The Cardinal 250 trivia challenge, part 2
Test your knowledge and explore the people, places and events that helped shape America — but are often left out of the history books.
Virginia’s congressional delegation solicits photos for a time capsule to be opened in 2276
The call for submissions is part of the nation’s celebration of 250 years of independence. The deadline for submissions is June 12.
One of Virginia’s most eccentric patriots was John Sinclair, a government-sanctioned pirate
Privateers were an important component of the American war effort. They were something akin to government-sanctioned pirates — armed vessels that chased down and confiscated the cargo of civilian enemy merchant ships. The techniques privateers employed wouldn’t pass muster today. They’d often approach a ship under a false flag and captain and crew would get…
Floyd tavern-keeper follows in footsteps of Revolutionary ancestor
Williams Ordinary in Prince William County supposedly was frequented by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, according to a local history.
Dispatch from 1776: Virginia declares itself for independence, hauls down the British flag
In some ways, Virginia has been independent since the night last June when our royal governor, Lord Dunmore, slipped out of Williamsburg and boarded a British naval vessel.
Podcast: The Cardinal 250 trivia challenge, part 1
What happens when you put Cardinal News founding editor and columnist Dwayne Yancey on the spot with live Revolutionary War trivia?
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The project is made possible in part by funding from the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission.
Learn more about this multi-year series of events
Established by the General Assembly in 2020, the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Learn more about their other projects.
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Share a tip: Is there an untold story of the revolution we should cover?
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