Episode Notes

This week in 1912, Virginia experienced a debilitating six-week cold snap, the longest and most severe in state history. Snow and plummeting temperatures contributed to train wrecks, water shortages, and even exploding water tanks.

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This week in 1936, as a part of a national program collecting the stories of former enslaved people, reporter Claude Anderson talked with 87-year old Richard Slaughter. Slaughter had been born into an enslaved family in Virginia, but fled to freedom during the Civil War. During the interview, Slaughter recalled an encounter with none other than Abraham Lincoln.

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This week in 1864, the Union army destroyed the Confederate salt mines in Saltville, a blow to the Confederate army that marked a turning point in the Civil War.

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This week in 1974, Mills Godwin became the first and only Virginia governor elected for two (nonconsecutive) terms -- and he ran on different political tickets each time. He's often remembered for bolstering Virginia's public schools and creating the state's community college system. However, he played a darker role in Virginia's education policy as well. As senator and lieutenant governor, Godwin had been instrumental in the massive resistance laws that prevented school integration.

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This week in 1769...  when the House of Burgesses sponsored at ball at Williamsburg’s capitol building, Virginian women shunned fine Bristish fabrics and showed up in homespun gowns. This was seen as a patriotic act of defiance, and inspired women all over America to wear homespun in protest of British policies.

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This week in 1710... a prominent Virginia politician meets a grisly end. Daniel Parke quickly ascended to the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Governor's Council, before being awarded governorship of the Leeward Islands. But despite his political successes, his difficult personality won him enemies.

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This week in 1786... James Lafayette submitted a petition for his freedom from enslavement. During the American Revolution, Lafayette's espionage helped lead Americans to victory against the British. But despite his wartime contributions, the Virginia General Assembly rejected his petition. It was only after enlisting the help of the Marquis de Lafayette that James Lafayette was granted his freedom.

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This week in 1949... as automobiles took over America's roads, Richmond officials destroyed the last of their electric streetcars, which had roamed Richmond's streets for more than 60 years.

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This week in 1805... a year and a half after leaving St. Louis, Virginians Lewis and Clark and their "Corps of Discovery" reached the Pacific Ocean.

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This week in 1775... Lord Dunmore promised freedom to all indentured servants and enslaved people who fought for the British against the American revolutionaries.