If you’re looking to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the obvious choice is to return to where the Founding Fathers celebrated that very first year. From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison, four out of the first five U.S. Presidents called the Old Dominion home.
And, across the state, cities whose histories are steeped in colonial lore are taking this year to commemorate over two centuries of independence with events that both look back and ahead. Want to join in on the red, white, and blue? Here are seven Virginia cities where you can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary back where it all started.
Charlottesville
Charlottesville is home to Thomas Jefferson’s estate, also known as Monticello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This year, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, they’ll not only have a Fourth of July celebration, but there will also be a Naturalization Ceremony on the West Lawn where dozens of new U.S. citizens will take their Oath of Citizenship. Meanwhile, over at James Monroe’s Highland, there is a VA250 Mobile Museum Experience named “Out of Many, One” that will be on-site July 30 through August 1.
Want your history with a side of wine? Jefferson was one of the first to attempt (unsuccessfully) to bring grapes to America, and his legacy lives on along the Monticello Wine Trail.
Williamsburg
It’s no surprise that Williamsburg is a hotspot for celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. They have their own Williamsburg 250 Passport, which lets you check in at sites and events through the end of the year. Visit the Governor’s Palace, the Capitol, the Courthouse, and the Bray School for a look at some of the most significant history in town…