Uploaded August 2019 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
The Virginia General Assembly is the USA's oldest legislative body, established in 1619. Richmond is the third city to serve as Virginia's capital (after Jamestown and Williamsburg) and Lynchburg was named Virginia's capital for the final 5 days of the Civil War (April 6-10, 1865) after the Union captured Richmond, the former capitol of the Confederacy.
Featured in this video, you'll see these statues:
• George Washington: It took 11 years to complete (1858-1869). Around him stands monuments to Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Andrew Lewis, John Marshall, George Mason and Thomas Nelson Jr.
• Harry F. Byrd, Sr.: One of the most influential Virginia politicians ever. He served as Governor 1926-1930 and US Senator 1933-1965. He modernized Virginia politics.
• William Smith: US Representative of Virginia from 1841-1843, then Governor 1846-1849, then US Representative again 1853-1861, then Governor again 1864-1865.
• Virginia Civil Rights Memorial: Commemorates the leaders who helped desegregate Virginia schools. Read about the Moton High School strike and hero, Barbara Rose Johns here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Rose_Johns
Virginia's capitol is incredible. Its history is controversial, as many interesting places are. Their efforts to be inclusive now are impressive. Their Civil Rights Memorial is incredibly moving and thought-provoking.
The Virginia General Assembly is the USA's oldest legislative body, established in 1619. Richmond is the third city to serve as Virginia's capital (after Jamestown and Williamsburg) and Lynchburg was named Virginia's capital for the final 5 days of the Civil War (April 6-10, 1865) after the Union captured Richmond, the former capitol of the Confederacy.
Featured in this video, you'll see these statues:
• George Washington: It took 11 years to complete (1858-1869). Around him stands monuments to Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Andrew Lewis, John Marshall, George Mason and Thomas Nelson Jr.
• Harry F. Byrd, Sr.: One of the most influential Virginia politicians ever. He served as Governor 1926-1930 and US Senator 1933-1965. He modernized Virginia politics.
• William Smith: US Representative of Virginia from 1841-1843, then Governor 1846-1849, then US Representative again 1853-1861, then Governor again 1864-1865.
• Virginia Civil Rights Memorial: Commemorates the leaders who helped desegregate Virginia schools. Read about the Moton High School strike and hero, Barbara Rose Johns here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Rose_Johns
Virginia's capitol is incredible. Its history is controversial, as many interesting places are. Their efforts to be inclusive now are impressive. Their Civil Rights Memorial is incredibly moving and thought-provoking.
