Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore
The American Revolution offers countless remarkable stories of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things—from the call for independence in 1776 Philadelphia to the improbable surrender at Yorktown in 1781. Hampton Roads, with its deep harbors and strategic position in the prosperous Virginia colony, played a distinct role in that history.
As America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, WHRO presents Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore, a chronicle of America's semi-quincentennial through the people, actions, and events that have shaped our country. This weekly feature offers a fresh and intriguing look at American independence through our region's unique lens.
This podcast is independently produced in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and is not officially affiliated with any national or state Revolution 250 organizations.
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Episodes
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Before revolution gripped Virginia, Princess Anne was already a force. An agricultural stronghold east of Norfolk’s shipping lanes and Williamsburg’s political halls, its fertile fields drew planters, and inlets nourished trade and tradition. But by 1775, quiet farms gave way to gunfire. Discover how Princess Anne helped fan the flames of America’s fight for independence.
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
In 1768, Norfolk faced a deadly outbreak—and a radical medical solution. But hope turned to chaos when fear, politics, and violence collided. Discover how a bold attempt to fight smallpox ignited riots, shattered trust, and revealed deep divisions in colonial Virginia.
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Friday Jul 18, 2025
Long before the revolution, Norfolk thrived as a colonial powerhouse. As a lifeline to the British Empire, by the 1770s, the port bustled with merchants, shipbuilders, and sailors, fueling Atlantic trade. However, when tensions with Britain escalated, this vital port became a flashpoint. Discover how Norfolk’s rise and fiery fall marked a turning point in America’s revolutionary journey.
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Award-winning journalist and WHRO segment producer Connor Worley takes us deeper into the sporting life of colonial Virginia. From the spectacle of horse racing to the brutal thrill of cockfights and rough-and-tumble wrestling, these contests were not just entertainment but expressions of power and control. Sport upheld social order, blurred class lines, and exposed the colony’s deep racial divides. Connor Worley speaks with local and national historians, bringing us into a world where competition reflected a society on the brink of revolution.
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
In 18th-century Virginia, sport was more than spectacle—it was status, control, and coded defiance. Horse racing dazzled the elite, while cockfights and wrestling matches drew crowds across class lines. Beneath the excitement, enslaved labor powered the play. Discover how colonial sport revealed the tensions and hierarchies of early American life.
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
Thursday Jul 03, 2025
In the 1700s, 'Tidewater' became an economic powerhouse and cultural crossroads. Norfolk emerged as a thriving port, linking the colonies to the wider Atlantic world. Yet beneath the prosperity lay deep divisions—loyalties to the British Crown, a diverse population, and mounting unrest. Learn more about Norfolk’s strategic importance at the heart of the revolutionary conflict.