Potomac River – The UncommonWealth

Archives

Signed, Sealed and Proved: The Last Will and Testament of Robert, 7th Lord Fairfax

This entry is part of our new "Random Reference" series, which features interesting discoveries made and reference questions answered by our Archives & Library Reference…

Dawn TinnellJune 1, 2020

Archives

"Soon, the grievance will cease to exist": Chief Inspector of Vessels Reports

On 17 March 1856, the General Assembly adopted a law entitled, “An Act providing additional protection for the slave property of citizens of this commonwealth.”…

Tom CrewMay 16, 2018

Newspapers

The Wawaset Disaster, August 9, 1873: An “Extra” Alexandria Gazette, Over The Transom And Into The Archive

Each year the Newspaper Project receives papers from private collections which are generously offered as archival candidates. Many are duplicates of papers already cataloged. But…

Henry MorseAugust 5, 2016

Archives

Don’t Bush My Stand

Interested in commercial fishing techniques used in Virginia’s Northern Neck around the turn of the 20th century? Take a look through the Northumberland County circuit…

Sam WaltersApril 9, 2013

Archives

When Disaster Struck the Commonwealth: The 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac Hurricane

With good reason, hurricanes are both a familiar and forbidden subject in the state of Virginia. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from 1 June…

Callie FreedOctober 3, 2012

Archives

Fort Monroe Records at the Library of Virginia

The recent deactivation of Fort Monroe as a military installation and its transfer back to the Commonwealth of Virginia calls to mind the fort’s rich history. This…

Craig MooreSeptember 22, 2011