Our Cardinal 250 series has shared stories about lesser-known people who helped Virginia, and the nation, secure independence.
Cardinal News 250
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The first newspaper to report on the Declaration of Independence published in German
There was only one newspaper in Philadelphia that published on Friday, July 5, 1776. It was a German-language newspaper and got the scoop about what the Continenal Congress had done the day before.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
