Virginia Archives - Our Changing Life

Loving Virginia – Our First Taste Of Old Dominion

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Over the years, Virginia has had a lot of nicknames. King Charles II dubbed it “Old Dominion” due to his loyalty to the crown. In recent years the title “Mother of Presidents” seems more appropriate. After all, eight U.S. presidents were born in this area. With so much history, we knew it was a state we needed to add to our growing list. As we hit the road, we aimed to experience various adventures across the state. As we passed through the Appalachian Mountains, we knew we’d be loving Virginia and all it has to offer.

Staunton - Our First Stop

Heading east from West Virginia, it was hard to notice a difference. We were still enjoying the Appalachian Mountains, as we tooled along I-64. About an hour after crossing the state line, we discovered the hills were fading. This signaled that we were approaching our first stop. We are huge fans of living history sites and the Frontier Culture Museum would be the first of a handful we would see while loving Virginia. While paying our $12/person admission, we decided to add a golf cart rental for a small upcharge. We would usually walk an entire site, but time constraints required we limit our stop to two hours.

Farming Around the World

Fortier Culture Museum is dedicated to farming around the globe. We also discovered that the exhibits represent life in farm households during the 1600s and 1700s. Our tour began with farms from four foreign regions; West Africa, England, Ireland, and Germany. In each, we found an interpreter who imparted the life experiences from that period. The next section of the museum focuses on the Virginia region. Here we found Native American farmlands, followed by European homesteader structures. At each, we were guided through the exhibit by an interpreter.

Exploring Jamestown

Our main target for this trip was the Historic Triangle in eastern Virginia. We arrived in Williamsburg at the early evening and spent a few hours exploring the souvenir shops. In the morning, we made our way to Jamestown Settlement. We purchased combination tickets for Jamestown and Yorktown at $30/person. Our visit started in the museum that details the arrival of the English colonists. There are plenty of displays to spend a couple of hours. Our experience continued with a walk around the grounds, which has three distinct sections.

Foothold in the New World

It begins in the Powhatan Village, where costumed interpreters demonstrated native skills. Farther down the trail we landed at the docks. There are replicas of the three ships that carried those first settlers to America. We enjoyed exploring the inside and out of each ship. Our final stop was James Fort, which was inhabited during 1610-14. Here’s where we found a high concentration of costumed staff. They were all happy to provide details about life in this region. Time slipped away from us and it was mid-afternoon by the time we departed.

Williamsburg - Our Home Base

Our original plan was to spend the second half of the day at Colonial Williamsburg. With time running short, we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the shops at Merchant Square. The next morning, we were prompt with our arrival at the visitor center. We chose the single-day passes, which were $50 per person. These gave us access to the guided sites, trade shops, and performances. Colonial Williamsburg is available to view 24 hours a day, but the living history portion runs from 9 am to 5 pm. We knew it would be hot, but we were determined to see as much as possible.

Colonial Eats

By the time lunch rolled around, we had made a big dent in visiting the trades and shops. Our heads were swimming with all of the colonial life information we had heard. We wanted to stay with the period, so we ducked into King’s Arm Tavern to check out their menu. The original version of this tavern opened in 1772. This recreation was attempted to stay as true to form, as possible. One notable addition was air-conditioning, which was a huge bonus in the hot summer weather. We lingered over our meal, as much to take in the ambiance as to prolong our delay back to the heat.

Visiting Yorktown

Our third and final day in the historic triangle would lead us east toward the coast. The first stop was the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Here we found an in-depth view of the fight for independence. Similar to Jamestown, this two-part site also features a living history portion. The museum, which is packed full of exhibits and artifacts, was our focus. Being fans of the movie “The Patriot”, we were eager to learn more about the final English stronghold in Virginia.

Beach Adventure

After two and a half days of stuffing our heads with names and dates, we were ready for some R&R. There was no way we could be this close to the ocean and not make a visit. Virginia Beach was only an hour away, so we hightailed it east. Here’s where the hot weather worked to our advantage. It was a weekday, so crowds were thinner than usual at the beach. We soaked in the sun for a couple of hours, before deciding to see what we could find in the way of tourist traps. One block back from the beach we discovered an assortment of eateries, souvenir shops, and games. It was a perfect way to remind ourselves how much we were loving Virginia.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The next morning we packed the car and began meandering westward. We planned to double back the way we came but diverted when we came upon the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our visit to Gatlinburg allowed us to see the southern start of this iconic roadway. Now we had a chance to explore the other end. (Someday we hope to drive the entire length.) We took our time cruising the parkway and pulled off frequently. When hunger hit, we exited and found Gertie’s, a cute burger joint along the path back to the interstate.

Loving Virginia

Our visit to Virginia may have only lasted a handful of days, but we created memories that will last our lifetime. While our country may not have the centuries of history found in other parts of the world, we have a closer connection with American history. We hope that you enjoy our memories of the region and will consider exploring it for yourselves someday. We believe you will be loving Virginia as much as we do. It has so much to offer visitors and we barely scratched the surface.

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Virginia Beach – A Couple’s Story

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Vacations are our chance to sample other parts of our world. Our excursion to Virginia was opening new opportunities to learn some history of America. While this was the main goal of our trip, we did set aside a day to just recharge. Being so close to the coast, we knew a beach day would be required. Our target was Virginia Beach with some random stops along the way.

Getting Started

Every vacation day should begin with a delectable breakfast. Our lodging in Williamsburg was the perfect home base for exploring the region. An early start required some sustenance, so we headed out to find food. A nearby eatery named Tipsy Beans Café provided a sunny site to dine like the locals. I chose a hearty start with a sandwich loaded with protein. Crystal is always on the hunt for a sweet treat and selected a peanut butter-granola-banana toast creation. We washed these down with some delicious lattes before hitting the road to the coast.

Virginia Beach - Sun & Sand

Virginia Beach lies about an hour from Williamsburg but traffic extended that to nearly two. Once we arrived, we drove along the main route to check out the surroundings. We spotted a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants, and non-beach entertainment options. The sun had climbed high enough to begin throwing off some major heat. Time to change clothes and claim our territory on the beach. The crowd quickly grew but we never felt like it was excessive. We splish-splashed in the surf and enjoyed some strolls along the beach. It didn’t take long for the calm to overtake us.

Indoor Distractions

The two of us have a lot in common and one thing is our inability to sit still for very long. After about three hours of beach time, we were ready to explore. We packed up our belongings and took them back to the car. Since our swim suits were still damp, we held off changing back into our street clothes. Now it was time to investigate some of those non-beach entertainment options we had spotted earlier. When we spotted Flipper McCoy’s Arcade (Crystal’s maiden name is McCoy), we just had to check it out. A few rounds of Skeeball were followed by a competitive game of air hockey. Our fun level had risen to near record highs.

Getting Our Golf On

With our suits dry, it was time to switch clothes. Now we were ready to kick up the games to the next level. No matter where we travel, our eyes are always peeled for miniature golf courses. While they are not as numerous as during our youth, we still find a way to sniff some out. We may not keep score like others but we are always aware of who is winning. It’s also a time when we don’t have an issue posing for some silly selfies. For this particular game, Crystal was on fire and I ended up being dead meat.

Virginia Beach Gets It Done

Our Virginia Beach morning began with a goal of rest and relaxation. Not only had we accomplished this, we also found a slew of new discoveries. Our lunch break was a small local restaurant with an outdoor patio. We both chose fresh fish dishes, since we figured it would be hard to get a table any closer to the ocean. Being from the middle of the country, we savor our beach moments. Even when we strayed from the sand, we tried to keep it in eye’s view. Our batteries were recharged and we were ready to get back to the world of blogging.

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Kings Arms Tavern – A Revolutionary Meal

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Dining in a pre-Revolutionary War tavern was a new experience for us. During a day in Colonial Williamsburg, we stopped by Kings Arms Tavern for a lunchtime meal. Everything about this visit was special and we were ready to soak it all up. While this may be a reproduction, the attention to authentic details is astounding. As the mid-day heat bore down on the landscape, we enjoyed a peaceful escape from the elements.

Lunch at Kings Arms Tavern

The original Kings Arms Tavern opened its doors in 1772. This updated version has stayed true to the period, except for the addition of running water and air conditioning. (Both we were thankful to find.) Resting along Duke of Gloucester Street, this colonial dining option draws in lots of visitors. Before our day in Williamsburg, we had researched an option that provides 18th-century dishes. Kings Arms does that and also includes some updated menu items that add 21st-century flavors.

Calling Us In

As the noontime hour was approaching, we started heading toward Kings Arms Tavern. Since Colonial Williamsburg is such a popular attraction, we knew there would be lots of dining options. Many are located on the edge of the historic district, which is still easily within walking distance. Most of those offer your standard dishes, but we wanted something unique. Nearing in on our target, we began to hear the melody of a single flute. Standing in the shade of the stoop, a musician played her song to draw in the crowd. It certainly added a little bounce to our steps.

Historic Dining

Kings Arms Tavern keeps with the theme of the area. We had spent the morning exploring 18th-century buildings and speaking with artisans from that period. Moving from that activity into this midday meal provided a seamless experience. Our waiter, as well as the other staff, were dressed in period garb. The dining room isn’t overly decorated and seemed a fitting example of the period. Even the small details added to the experience of a revolutionary meal.

Kings Arms Menu

The restaurant is a version of a chophouse and serves up dishes peppered with meat. While perusing the choices, I decided to order a Draught Root Beer. This tasty beverage was full of flavor and tasted like it was freshly concocted. I even shared a few sips with Crystal. Back to the menu, we were struggling to narrow our selections down to just two meals. Many of the dishes sounded foreign to us, which made us want to sample them. In the end, we knew the hot day would be best handled if we didn’t overindulge.

Old World Classic

I had the hardest time choosing but eventually landed on the Welsh Rarebit. I have heard of this dish but have never sampled one. When I was younger, I assumed it was just cheese-covered bread. The reality is they use a cheese sauce that includes flour, beer, cheese, and sometimes egg. This is poured over toasted bread slices and garnished with meat slices. In this case, they used a cured bacon and brightened the dish with some green onion. How do I describe the taste? It was a delightful blend of salty and savory and we both enjoyed it.

Don't Pass Up BBQ

Our waiter informed us that the Barbecued Pulled Pork was a special feature on the menu, so that helped earn it a place on our table. This East Coast version reminded us of a Carolina-style BBQ and had plenty of delicious flavor. They served it as an open-face sandwich with some sides. The tangy-sweet sauce complimented bites of the Rarebit, so we decided our choices made up the perfect meal.

A Revolutionary Experience

We discovered that the amount of food had been perfect for this occasion. We had satisfied our pangs of hunger but felt good enough to continue our explorations of Colonial Williamsburg. The heat of the day had not dissipated but we were feeling refreshed from our air-conditioned escape. Our Revolutionary Meal, at Kings Arms Tavern, was the perfect way to dine in colonial style.

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Colonial Williamsburg – The Early Days Of America

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 04:30:00 +0000

The city of Williamsburg, Virginia is a familiar name to many people. Did you know that this historic settlement began as Middle Plantation? Way back in 1632, English settlers discovered this area provided high ground between the York and James rivers. The settlers began at Jamestown, in 1607, but quickly spread across the peninsula. After this original settlement burned down, the government headquarters were moved to what would become Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is designed to show visitors what life was like in those early days.

Life in Colonial Williamsburg

Middle Plantation’s location was not only safer than Jamestown, it was also more pleasant. Unlike most early settlements, Williamsburg was not sited along any major waterways. This made it less humid and didn’t suffer from the plague of mosquitos found along the shore. In 1693, the College of William & Mary was founded. It is the second-oldest university in America, behind Harvard. We began our day of exploring with a walk down Duke of Gloucester Street, which serves as the main road through town. We watched as the “townspeople” went about their daily duties.

Historic Structures

Unlike many parks, Williamsburg is a living town. Many of the historic homes are occupied by locals. Visitors can wander the streets all hours, although the interpreters are only there during specific daytime hours. We were instructed to watch for the Grand Union flags, which tell visitors that a site is open for exploring. We enjoyed conversing with craftspeople who worked each day in their specific trades. Each was staying true to the style of work that would have been done in colonial days. It was all hands-on with labor-intensive processes.

Strolling the Grounds

Colonial Williamsburg is the kind of place that beckons visitors to slow down their pace. Being from Kansas, we are more familiar with historic sites that originated after the Louisiana Purchase. Here we were walking the grounds that our forefathers once trod. We were getting the same feeling that we had experienced during our visit to Philadelphia. This is the land where our nation’s freedom was founded and fought for by those early patriots.

Visiting the Capitol

In the 18th century, the capitol at Williamsburg was the epicenter of British authority in the New World. This is where laws were debated, citizens appeared in court, and overarching decisions were made. A Halloween fire had destroyed the Jamestown statehouse. This was the fourth time fire had disrupted the legislature. Out of caution, the new capitol was built without fireplaces. They also prohibited the use of candles and tobacco in the new capitol. Even with these precautions, the building burned to the ground in 1747.

Guided Site

Our single-day admissions ($50 each) included access to guided sites, historic structures, and staged performances. We felt a tour of the capitol was vital, as it would include important background of the political atmosphere of the time. Our guide walked us through the building with stops at important areas. Much of the discussion revolved around the idea of self-government. The Great Charter of 1618 laid out the plan for the colonists to have greater control over their destiny. To serve in the House of Burgesses there were specific requirements. Only white male property owners, of at least 21 years of age, were eligible.

House of Burgesses

The beginning years were spent developing the laws that would guide the colonists. It also served as the highest court in the colony. The court even sentenced some of Blackbeard’s pirates to hang. The House of Burgesses would provide some familiar names with governmental experience. These include many of our nation’s founding fathers, including Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. As the atmosphere in the colonies turned toward resistance to the crown, the governor decided to disband this form of government.

Taking Aim at History

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the largest living history sites we have visited. We found our day filled with lively conversations. Whether it was a gunsmith, cooper, shoemaker or tailor, they each were focused on perfecting their craft. The people seemed so happy to be able to share their passions with us. It was well worth the price of admission to have access to these opportunities. Many of the pieces they make are available at the stores and shops around the village. If you are looking for some simple souvenirs, be sure to stop by Market House, which is an open air style shop.

That's a Wrap at Colonial Williamsburg

It’s funny how an enjoyable day passes so quickly. Before we knew it, the evening hours were approaching. Colonial Williamsburg is open every day of the year, from 9 am to 5 pm. They also have a few evening programs, like an 18th-century ghost walk or a witch trial. Some may require special passes at an additional fee, so be sure to check before arriving. We found this living history site to be a great source for educating ourselves on colonial life and hope to be able to visit again in the future. As they would say in the olden days, this was definitely a red-letter day.

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American Revolution Museum At Yorktown

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 04:30:00 +0000

The “David versus Goliath” story of the American Revolution influenced political ideas around the globe. How could a fledgling nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time? The victory did not come without sacrifices and was not unanimously supported by the colonists. Our visit to the Historical Triangle of Virginia included a stop at the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown would provide plenty of insight into the fight for our nation’s independence.

New World Life

A lot has changed since those early settlers landed in Jamestown. By the early 1700s, this rag-tag group had swollen to around 1 million colonists. They expanded their territory along the Atlantic coast, and now covered from present-day Maine to Georgia. Agriculture was the primary occupation but there were plenty of supporting tasks to be provided by city dwellers. The majority of the colonists were of English origin but German and Scotch-Irish numbers would swell during the 1700s. Back in England, many saw the colonial growth as a spread of commercial wealth for the British Empire.

Becoming Americans

It didn’t take long before the colonists began to assert some autonomy. The earliest agreement, The Mayflower Compact of 1620, was merely an agreement to live in an orderly fashion. As the population swelled with those unhappy with English leadership, Virginia territory saw an influx of settlers. While ultimate authority remained with the king, a series of committees and boards pushed the citizens farther away from the crown. Layers of bureaucracy were required to maintain control over the rapidly expanding “English America”.

Power To The People

As England became preoccupied with dealing with other nations, the colonies found themselves left to their own control. This did not prevent the British from imposing various duties. As the number of “taxes” increased, the colonists became more resentful of the king. As the Seven Years’ War came to an end, Britain turned its attention back to the colonies. Many of the taxes were needed to pay for the costs of war, which added to the aggravation of the colonists. King George III insisted that there be an increased military presence in America, and it would be funded by the colonies.

On The Brink

When George Grenville was appointed the first Lord of the Treasury, things turned from bad to worse. He would be responsible for the Stamp Act, which would extract significant money from the colonists. Many felt that as British subjects, they should only be taxed by themselves or by representatives who also pay the tax. While the Stamp Act would be rescinded, the new Townshend Acts would bring a different attempt to regain control of the colonies. Comprised of four acts, this restricted self-governance and attempted to increase the collection of revenue duties. In March 1770, a group of British soldiers and civilians clashed in what would be named, the Boston Massacre. The growing discord set the stage for an American revolution.

Cornwallis

As the war ramped up, new characters would enter the fray. Charles Cornwallis, while opposed to the war, saw the need for a military presence in the colonies. Early successes in New York and New Jersey helped propel his career. He returned to England when his wife turned ill and remained until she passed. On his return to the colonies, in 1779, Cornwallis was moved to a role in assisting with Britain’s southern strategy and had success in South and North Carolina. In Virginia, he chose Yorktown as a suitable location for a naval station. He soon realized that this left troops exposed to French attacks but stuck with his plan.

The Siege At Yorktown

He set his troops to the task of fortifying the Yorktown location. The war had swung in the favor of the colonies and Cornwallis soon found himself facing overland forces. With the sea to his back, he would have been able to hold out with British support. When the French defeated the Royal Navy, it signaled the inevitable defeat for England. The siege began on September 28, 1781. By October 19 surrender negotiations had concluded. Cornwallis did not attend the surrender, as he claimed to be ill.

Let Freedom Ring

While America had declared its independence on July 4, 1776, it would be the Treaty of Paris that would signal the finale. On September 3, 1783, the signing set the boundaries between the new nation and the territory of British North America. (Later changed to Canada) From that point on, America would be part of the international community.

Building a New Nation

As we explored the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, we were impressed with the wide range of exhibits. One display provides a visual journey through the growth of the 13 colonies. An assortment of historically significant documents helps illustrate the atmosphere that led up to the war. “The New Nation” exhibit takes visitors beyond the end of the war and shows the challenges faced with creating a new nation. We found that the exhibits expanded on some we had seen during a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution, in Philadelphia.

Outdoor Exhibits

After finishing up inside the American Revolution Museum, we headed outside to the Continental Army Encampment. Rows of soldier’s tents lined the grounds. In the middle of it all, we found some reenactors who helped detail life during the war. They walked through the daily routines and drills. Periodically, there are musket loading and firing demonstrations.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Single-day tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for students. We purchased the Combo Pass that allowed 7-days of access to the museum and Jamestown. For $30, we found it to be the best deal. Our visit lasted about 3 hours, but we could see this expanded by at least one more if you spend time at the outdoor encampment. If you enjoy history, this is one of America’s sites that should be experienced.

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Jamestown Settlement – Winds of Change

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:30:00 +0000

In late April, of 1607, three ships appeared on the horizon of what would become the Virginia coast. Onboard are 105 passengers who are determined to create the first permanent English settlement in America. Their five-month trip was just the beginning of the challenges these early settlers would face. We journeyed to Jamestown Settlement, along the James River, to discover the events that would set the winds of change in motion.

Starting in the Museum

Jamestown Settlement is made up of a museum and three living history sites. In our part of the country, the first forts didn’t spring up until closer to the War of 1812. Here we were finding ourselves stepping into lands that saw English settlers nearly 200 years earlier. This wasn’t the first attempt, by the English, to establish a foothold in the New World. One of the most notable failures is the Lost Colony of Roanoke, in today’s North Carolina. Jamestown would not only succeed but would serve as the colonial capital until 1699.

Background Information

As we toured the museum, we noted the familiar names of Captain John Smith, Powhatan, and Pocahontas. The exhibits include an assortment of documents, early furnishings, tools, weapons, and even toys. Short films and dioramas help tell the story of Jamestown Settlement. As the new settlers wore out their welcome with the native tribes, conflicts arose. One exhibit details the attempt by Powhatan warriors to regain their lands. This led to a nearly decade-long war upon the Powhatan Nation.

The First People

With our heads swimming in new information, we decided it was time to head out to the living history exhibits. As we made our way along the path, our first stop was Paspahegh Town. This was one of more than 30 Algonquin tribes. Costumed interpreters detailed daily life in the village. Living in the wooded lands near the James River required a variety of life skills. Visitors can learn about the pottery and weaving that was created by the tribe. We also watched a demonstration of how dugout canoes were made.

Traditional Skills

Growing crops helped accent the foods gathered by hunting and fishing. Before leaving the village, we observed an interpreter fashioning arrows for hunting. During our discussion with him, we learned that some of the interpreters are actual descendants of the Powhatan people. When he had finished creating his arrow, he showed us his proficiency with a bow.

Cramped Quarters

Continuing down the path, we came to a pier where three ships were moored. These are replicas of the ones used to bring the Jamestown Settlement members to the New World. Visitors are invited to explore all three ships, but we decided to just check out the Susan Constant. A total of 71 men were aboard this vessel, so we tried to imagine life at sea.

Watch Your Head

Descending the steep steps, we found ourselves in the ‘tween deck. The six-foot ceiling made the space feel even tighter than what we expected. An interpreter detailed the tedious life to which those aboard were subjected. He walked us through how Captain Christopher Newport navigated the ship. We muddled around below deck and even took time to pose for a fun selfie, which you’ll find at the bottom of this article.

Heading to James Fort

The path took a sharp bend and started heading back toward the museum. This signaled our approach to James Fort. This is a recreation of the military outpost that was in this area from 1610 to 1614. As we approached, the thatched roofs could be seen rising above the wooden pickets that protected the settlement. We passed a small stand of corn, before heading through the gate.

Interpreter Interactions

We were greeted by an interpreter busy with embroidery. She explained the layout of the fort and invited us to explore to our hearts’ content. Nearby another interpreter was teaching visitors about meal preparation. At the Jamestown Settlement, they grow heirloom crops each year. These include a variety of vegetables and herbs. Foods are prepared in the same fashion as they would have been in the early 1600s.

Tools of Trade

The land that was chosen for the settlement was situated amid about 14,000 Powhatans. While trading was quickly established, the relationship with the natives remained tenuous. Unfamiliar with the climate, the settlers struggled. This new population was comprised of many English noblemen, who found themselves unaccustomed to daily chores. To add to their woes, prolonged drought led to an increase in disease and deaths.

Exploring the Village

We explored the various structures that makeup James Fort. Seeing all of this armor made me realize that these early settlers must have been in great shape. I couldn’t imagine going around decked out in all of this, especially during the hot, humid summers. We started toward the forge when the blacksmith informed us that he was preparing to demonstrate an early rifle.

Hunting Old Style

We followed him to a small opening just outside of the fort walls. He carried with him an arquebus, which was a musket-like firearm. It was loaded through the muzzle, as he explained each step of the process. A smoldering wick was used to ignite the gunpowder in the pan. Two puffs of smoke and a loud report signaled a successful firing. He repeated the process to make sure everyone had a chance to see it.

Plan Your Jamestown Settlement Visit

The tickets we purchased for the Jamestown Settlement were $30 per person. These were good for 7 consecutive days. They also included admission to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Since this was also on our itinerary, it made sense to get the dual pass. We spent around 2 1/2 hours at this stop, but we skimmed through the museum portion. Someone wanting to truly immerse themselves in history should allow for at least a 4-hour stay. No matter how much time you have to spend, we feel like this attraction is a good value. Besides, you get to walk on the grounds where the first permanent English settlement was created.

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Frontier Culture Museum – Where Cultures Blend

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Traveling to Virginia gave us our first views of the Shenandoah Valley. As pioneers poured into the region, during the 1600s and 1700s, many passed through this area. With an agricultural-based economy, farming was key to almost every family. Our first Virginia stop landed us at the Frontier Culture Museum, in Staunton. We were eager to interact with the costumed interpreters who tell stories about the past.

West Africa

The first exhibit was just a short drive down the path. We parked near the turnoff for West Africa and walked a short distance to the display. The structure is a reproduction from 18th-century Igboland, now part of Nigeria. The West African people of that region focused on agriculture and trade. By the start of the 1700s, the slave trade was already well established. Estimates are that about 30,000 Igbo slaves were shipped to Virginia during the first half of the century. From the 1400s to the late 1800s, more than 10 million Africans were sold into slavery.

Germany

Moving through the museum grounds, we soon found ourselves in 1750s Germany. This Frontier Culture Museum exhibit included a wood-framed home and barn, which was originally located in Rhineland. By the time of the Revolutionary War, hard times in their homeland had forced about 100,000 Germans to migrate to the colonies. This was only about one-tenth of the total number who left Germany during the Great Auswanderung (emigration). After a dozen weeks on a crowded ship, they were eager to see dry land.

A Look Inside

We stepped inside the house to listen to the interpreter. She was in the middle of describing some of the leisure activities of the farmers. The Germans were adept at pottery, lavishly decorated furniture, and long-rifle construction. We were surprised to learn that these early inhabitants often wore wooden shoes, like the Dutch. (We found a lot of those during a visit to Pella, Iowa.)

England

Back to our cart and up the road to 1650s England. Here we found another timber-frame structure. This particular building came from Worcestershire, England. The Dark Ages ended in England by the start of the 16th century. As the lands became enclosed, many citizens chose to flee across the ocean to the New World. We’d learn more about this when we make it to Williamsburg and Jamesport, later in this trip.

Life Lessons

We joined a small group that had assembled inside the house. The interpreter was in the middle of detailing life in the Shenandoah Valley during the earliest days of English immigrants. The modest bedroom would have had to handle a small crowd, as these early homes had limited space. Behind the home was a small garden, which represented the types of plants that would have been grown during that time period.

Ireland

As we pulled up to the Irish exhibit, we were discussing how much work must have been involved in relocating so many structures. Here we were facing a complete farm and forge. Most Irish immigrants came from Ulster to the Pennsylvania region in the early 1700s. With plenty of competition for space, many moved south toward the Appalachians. Most of these Protestant families were tenant farmers who leased land from wealthy English landlords.

Farming Life

After exploring the barn and grounds, we headed inside the house. Two interpreters were engaged in daily chores. We listened as one described how weaving was used to supplement the farms. With selling linens being their major sustenance, most of the food crops were strictly for family use. By the Revolutionary War, more than 100,000 Ulster immigrants had arrived in America. They often settled in the lands that served as a buffer between the native Tribes and the older English settlements.

Native Tribe

We wrapped up the European farms and made our way to the American exhibits. All of these are focused on the Great Appalachian Valley beginning in the 1600s. The first we came to was the Eastern Woodlands Indian display. When Europeans first arrived, there were dozens of native tribes along the Eastern seaboard. American tribes were helpful to the ill-equipped immigrants. As English colonization expanded, it spelled disaster for the lifestyle of the natives.

Virginia 1760

By the late 1720s, settlers had made their way into the Appalachian river valleys. We came upon this one-room log cabin that represents the typical home of early settlers. They quickly learned farming and hunting techniques from the natives. Corn was a mainstay of their diet but hemp would become a cash crop grown for its fiber. Clearing the land for crops was exhausting work, as noted by the two interpreters we found resting in the shade.

A Virginia Homestead

By the 1850s, homesteads were well-established across Virginia. The version represented at the Frontier Culture Museum would have been owned by “everyday folk”. A road system was being developed, which allowed farming families easier access to markets. The individual ethnic distinctions were declining as intermarriage blended the lines. By this period in history, America had already expanded westward. The Louisiana Purchase more than doubled the size of the young nation. Many Virginians poured into these lands to establish new communities and seek wealth.

Frontier Culture Museum Details

The Frontier Culture Museum operates seven days a week, except for major holidays. At the time of our visit, in 2023, tickets were $12 per person. We tossed in a golf cart rental for around $5 for our visit. Many visitors managed on foot, but we were on a limited timeframe, so the cart came in handy. The museum is well-designed and took us about 1 1/2 hours to see. We could see extending this to about 2 1/2 hours for a more in-depth visit.

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