Welcome to the "Beta" site of Encyclopedia Virginia, an online resource being published by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities that explores the commerce, history, culture, arts, and sciences of the Commonwealth. "Beta" means that we are adding more content and that the interface, design, search, and other technical functionalities (while largely in place) are still being refined. In the meantime, please explore the site and give us your feedback!
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Today in Virginia
On this day in
1862 Virginia governor John L. Letcher issues an executive order authorizing Confederate authorities to incorporate the Virginia militia into existing Confederate units. In the Shenandoah Valley, Confederate general Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson eagerly awaits these recruits.
moreOn this day in
1874 Governor James Lawson Kemper vetoes a bill to transfer Petersburg's city government from the elected officials to a board of commissioners appointed by a city judge. The bill's aim is to wrest power from the Radical Republican–African American voting bloc. Kemper's veto is upheld by the Virginia Senate.
Encyclopedia Virginia is a dynamic, authoritative, and globally accessible resource that explores the people, places, events, and institutions of the Commonwealth. Published by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, EV provides a platform for discovering and learning about Virginia.
