Timeline of

Virginia History

1741

St. John’s Church, Richmond

Sketch of St. John's Church

“Built on the Hill called Indian Town”: St. John’s Church from Inception to the Second Virginia Convention It was October 12, 1740, and William Byrd II had a problem. A wealthy landowner and progenitor of the Byrd dynasty in Virginia, he had offered property to the Henrico Parish Vestry (the…Read More

1754

French and Indian War

Virginia participates in the war (1754-1763) against French and Native American forces, contributing to rising anti-British sentiment. Virginia militia participated in expeditions against French forts in the Ohio Valley, suffering heavy losses at battles like Fort Necessity (1754) and Braddock’s Defeat (1755). The British victory ultimately led to increased tensions…Read More

1775

Second Virginia Convention

drawing of Patrick Henry

At St. John’s Church in Richmond, the Second Virginia Convention was meeting for the fourth day on March 23, 1775. During the meeting, delegate Patrick Henry made remarks that have come to be know internationally as  the “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech. This memorable call to action…Read More