Saturday, April 19, marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. And Virginia is marking the historic occasion with a series of commemorative and educational events taking place over the next several months.
It’s all part of VA250, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the anniversary. It’s organized by the VA250 Commission, which was established by the General Assembly in 2020.
Events are happening throughout the state this year; check out the online calendar for a complete listing.
Here are a few coming soon in Northern Virginia:
Lexington and Concord Family Day
April 19
George Washington’s Mount Vernon will teach families about the outbreak of the war at Lexington and Concord. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $15–$28
Lafayette at Woodlawn
April 19
Take a special tour of Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House to learn about the Marquis de Lafayette’s visits to the historic property. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House: 9000 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, $12–$25
Women’s History Walk led by Alexandria Celebrates Women
April 19, May 24, June 21, July 19
This tour of Alexandria takes visitors on a 3-mile walk around the city, stopping at historic sites associated with women. Alexandria Visitor Center: 221 King St., Alexandria, free
Take a Sip of History: Cemeteries of Prince William County
April 23
Join historians and archaeologists at Water’s End Brewery to learn about unusual burials and resting places in Prince William County. Water’s End Brewery: 12425 Dillingham Sq., Lake Ridge
George Washington Whiskey Tasting
Saturdays May 3–June 28
At George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill near Mount Vernon, sample three distilled spirits and learn about how Washington’s distillery made whiskey in 1799. 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $50–$60
Revolutionary War Weekend
May 3–4
At the Mount Vernon Revolutionary War encampment see how the field is transformed into a battlefield as reenactors conduct military drills and demonstrations. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mt. Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, $22–$35
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon
