Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore

"Forgotten Allies: Spain’s Role in America’s Fight for Independence"

Spain was America’s other great ally in the Revolution. From battlefield victories under Bernardo de Gálvez to the silver raised in Havana that funded Washington’s troops, Spain’s support was crucial—and nearly forgotten. Discover the story of America’s often-overlooked ally.

"The Last Colonial Ball"

Colonial balls were stages of power and performance, where silks, minuets, and candlelight masked political tension. In autumn 1774, the guests danced at Williamsburg’s Governor’s Palace for the final time at the Loyalist affair. Unaware, guests probably had no idea the enchanting ballroom music would soon give way to marching drums and gunfire. Discover how the last colonial ball signaled the end of an era.

"Endview Plantation: The Spring that Fueled Victory"

As Washington and Rochambeau’s armies marched toward Yorktown, thousands of Virginia militia under Governor Thomas Nelson Jr. stopped at Endview Plantation. It's spring, and the grounds offered water and rest before the encirclement that sealed British defeat. Discover how this colonial homestead became a witness to America’s victory.

"Loyalists Vs. Patriots: When Neighbors Became Enemies"

*Content Advisory - This episode contains descriptions of torture which may be unsettling to some listeners. Discretion is advised* Loyalty in a time of rebellion carried a heavy cost. Nearly one in five colonists sided with Britain during the Revolution, including immigrants, enslaved people, and Native allies. Seen as traitors by their communities, they endured harassment, violence, and the loss of homes and property. Discover the overlooked struggles of Loyalists during the American Revolution. 

"A Taste of the Past: Food in Colonial Virginia"

What was for dinner in colonial Virginia? Meals were hearty, seasonal, and deeply rooted in tradition. Indigenous crops, African influences, and European methods combined to create a distinctive culinary culture that reflected the colony’s diversity. Explore how everyday meals helped shape Virginia’s identity.

"The Sound of Colonial Virginia"

In colonial Virginia, music was everywhere. From bawdy ballads in taverns to candlelight concerts in Williamsburg. Blending English, Scottish, African, and European traditions, these sounds carried stories of love, politics, faith, and freedom. Discover how music became the heartbeat of Virginia’s culture and set the stage for revolution.

"The Courthouse that Ignited the Revolution"

In Northampton County, the courthouse became a place of defiance long before open war. From petitions against “arbitrarye and illegall” taxes in 1653 to rejecting Parliament’s Stamp Act in 1767, local justices and citizens boldly challenged authority. By 1774, they burned tea in protest and sent food to Boston. Discover how Virginia’s Eastern Shore turned its courthouse green into a stage for revolution.

"The Boycott: Unity and Defiance in 1769"

In 1769, Parliament’s new taxes pushed Virginia’s burgesses from the Capitol to Williamsburg’s Raleigh Tavern, where they pledged no more British goods. Washington, Lee, and Jefferson joined merchants and planters in an act of economic resistance that spread across the colony. Discover how the Non-Importation Agreement ignited unity.

"Williamsburg: Cradle of Revolution"

Williamsburg’s rise from quiet plantation crossroads to revolutionary capital began with its riverside location and healthier climate. Colonial leaders, scholars, and patriots shaped a city where debates in the House of Burgesses helped spark independence. Discover how Williamsburg became Virginia’s political and cultural heart.

"Farming in The Colonies: Agriculture on the Eve of the War"

Tobacco built fortunes in colonial Virginia--but at what cost? From the arrival of enslaved Africans in 1619 to overproduction and economic collapse by the Revolution, this episode explores how farming shaped Hampton Roads. Discover how demand, labor, and a single crop set the stage for a fragile economy.