Christopher Newport He was sponsored by England to discover riches and to find a western sea route to Asia. He was the explorer who was credited with the Jamestown exploration. He made four additional voyages bringing more people to Jamestown. He was one of the first men to reach the Fall Line of the James River. Social Studies: SOL VS.3a
Captain John Smith Captain John Smith was credited for establishing the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown. He provided the leadership and worked with the Powhatan Indians to provide corn for the starving settlers. The settlers soon learned how to live off America s rich resources. Social Studies: SOL VS.3g
Pocahontas She was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, who believed the English settlers and the American Indians (First Americans) could live in harmony. She began a friendship with the Jamestown settlers that helped them survive. Social Studies: SOL VS.3g
Patrick Henry He was born in Hanover County, Virginia. He inspired patriots from other colonies when he spoke out against taxation without representation by saying,...give me liberty or give me death. Social Studies: SOL VS.5b
George Washington He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He provided military leadership by serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. He was the first President of the United States of America. He used his strong leadership skills which helped establish a new nation. He also provided a model of leadership for future presidents. He is often called the Father of Our Country. Social Studies: SOL VS.5b, VS.6a
James Madison He was born in Port Conway, Virginia. He believed in the importance of having a United States Constitution. He kept detailed notes during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. His skills at compromise helped the delegates reach agreement during the difficult process of writing the Constitution of the United States of America. This earned him the title of Father of the Constitution. Social Studies: SOL VS.6a
George Mason He was born in Fairfax, Virginia. George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights which states that all Virginians should have certain rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of the press. This document became the basis for the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the United States of America. 2001 ºHenrico County Public Schools Social Studies: SOL VS.6b
Thomas Jefferson He was born in Albemarle County, Virginia. He provided political leadership by expressing the reasons for colonial independence from England in the Declaration of Independence. He wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom which states that all people should be free to worship as they please. This document was the basis for the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Social Studies: SOL VS.5b, VS.6b
Frederick Douglass He was born near Easton, Maryland. He escaped from slavery in Maryland and began to speak at meetings throughout the North sharing his story of slavery and cruelty. His speeches encouraged many others to abolish slavery. Social Studies: SOL VS.7a
Harriet Tubman She was born in Dorchester County, Maryland. She helped slaves in the South gain their freedom by guiding them on a secret route to the North. The secret route was known as the Underground Railroad. Social Studies: SOL VS.7a
Jefferson Davis He was born near Elkton, Kentucky. He became a United States Senator. He was an American statesman and President of the Confederacy. Social Studies: SOL VS.7a,b
Thomas Stonewall Jackson He was born in Clarksburg, Virginia. Confederate General Thomas Stonewall Jackson played a major role in the first Battle of Bull Run (or Manassas) which was the first major clash of the Civil War. Social Studies: SOL VS.7b
Robert E. Lee He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. General Robert E. Lee, Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia on April 9, 1865. Social Studies: SO L VS.7b
Ulysses S. Grant He was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. He was the Commander-in-Chief of the Union army in the Civil War. He captured Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865. He was the 18th President of the United States. Social Studies: SOL VS.7b
J. E. B. Stuart He was born in Patrick County, Virginia. He was a Confederate Cavalry Commander in the Civil War. He was known for bold raids, seeking out information about enemy positions. Social Studies: SOL VS.7b
Harry F. Byrd, Sr. He was born in Winchester, Virginia. He was a United States Senator from Virginia and was elected Governor of Virginia in 1925. He was known for a Pay As You Go policy for road improvements. He led a Massive Resistance movement against the integration of public schools. Social Studies: SOL VS.9c
Maggie Walker She was born in Richmond, Virginia. She was the first African American woman to become a bank president in the United States. Social Studies: SOL VS.9c
Arthur Ashe, Jr. He was born in Richmond, Virginia. He was the first African American winner of a major men s tennis singles championship. He was also an author and eloquent spokesperson for social change. Social Studies: SOL VS.9c
L. Douglas Wilder He was born in Richmond, Virginia. He served in the General Assembly for ten years and was recognized as a strong, effective legislator. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1985. In 1990, he became Governor of Virginia. He was the first African American State Governor in the United States. Social Studies: SOL VS.9c