250 Years Ago Today: Virginia on the Brink of Independence

By Kellee Blake

On this very day, 250 years ago . . .

Virginia’s early tulips, bright daffodils, and tree blossoms pushed forth in joyous splendor, blithely indifferent to the extraordinary changes April 1775 would bring. The Second Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry’s recent “liberty or death” oration in Richmond, and the arrival of thousands of British troops in Boston inspired folks to action. Williamsburg was loud with militia fifes and drilling, political speeches, and the pounding of horses’ hoofs carrying vital messages from town to town. It was electric with possibility for some and right near terrifying for those who served the King. No one could miss the stir in the air; certainly every Shore farmer and Accomack merchant and Eastville attorney knew that something “revolutionary” seemed afoot.

Royal Virginia Governor Dunmore knew it, too. Early in April, Dunmore obtained the keys to Williamsburg’s powder magazine and colonists rightly worried the British leader might seize their powder and arms. They placed watchmen from sunset to sunrise to prevent the Governor’s agents from entry. Unfortunately, even the most dedicated lookouts get weary. It took just one break in the sentinel chain for the “enemy” to strike. A special April 21 edition of The Revolutionary Shore will discuss “Williamsburg’s Gunpowder Incident” and some alleged Shore involvement!

April 1775 presented a cascade of crucial events that turned the tide of colonial action with stunning rapidity. By month’s end, Paul Revere had completed his famous ride, blood was spilled in Lexington and Concord, and a “shot heard round the world” had been fired. Virginia 250 is commemorating the moment with a special initiative to which all are invited. It simply requires heart and “two lights.”

TWO LIGHTS FOR TOMORROW

A Nationwide Call to Action

April 11-25 in Virginia and April 18 Nationwide

https://va250.org/two-lights/

Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The famous ride of Paul Revere occurred overnight on April 18 – 19, 1775. Two Lights for Tomorrow uses the imagery of that shining light 250 years ago as a uniting call to action today for our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a better tomorrow.

Everyone can participate! Just display two lights in your homes, at your visitor centers, your cultural, historical, and community sites, and in your government buildings.

In Virginia, light your lanterns from April 11 to April 22 to also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Gunpower Incident in Williamsburg.