Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore

"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.

"Princess Anne County: The Fields that Fueled the Revolution"

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.

"Smallpox, Riots and Divided Loyalties"

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. 

"Norfolk: Port of Trade, Gateway to Revolution"

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.

"Sports in Colonial Virginia (Extended)"

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.

"Sports in Colonial Virginia"

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.

"Ports, Plantations, and Rebellion: Tidewater in the Eve of Revolution"

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.