This is an unofficial page celebrating America’s semisesquintennial.
Visit Hampshire Highlands has a page dedicated to America 250. Check it out: https://hampshirehighlands.com/america-250-hampshire-county-wv
There is also an unofficial Facebook page. Do you have plans or ideas for celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary? Or questions? You are welcome to share them on the Facebook group page.
Here are scheduled events and some proposed ideas for events:
Now to the end of July 10: Patriot Scavenger Hunt. Here are the Patriot Profiles.
Did you realize our local area had many Revolutionary War patriots? Young and old are welcome to participate in a scavenger hunt in Capon Bridge.
Some details:
When: now until the end of June. Check the days and hours of operation of the different businesses.
1. Get your passport at the Capon Bridge Public Library or maybe at any of the participating businesses.
2. At each of the businesses, you will find a different patriot profile.
3. On the profile, you will find a QR code. Point your phone camera, and you should see a YouTube link. )Or you can simply read the same script on the paper.
4. After you have “met” the patriot, ask the business staff to initial the passport by that patriot.
Thank you to the participating businesses.
Here are the featured patriots and the businesses where they can be found:
Corporal John Chenoweth @ Farmer’s Daughter Market & Butcher, 2908 Northwestern Tpk, Capon Bridge
Dr. James Craik @ the Capon Bridge Public Library, 2987 Northwestern Tpk, Capon Bridge
Col. Thomas and son, Michael Cresap @ The River House, 24 Rickie Davy Lane, Capon Bridge
Pvt. Gustavus Croston @ Ree’s Sweets & Treats, 2886 Northwestern Tpk, Capon Bridge
Gen. Daniel Morgan @ Twisted Timbers Cafe’ & Country Store, 975 Northwestern Tpk, Capon Bridge
Ensign Rees Pritchard @ Just Pawn It llc in Capon Bridge Wv, 3196 Northwestern Tpk, Capon Bridge,
Major Adam Heiskell @ Bent River Trading Co., 3464 Northwestern Tpk, Capon Bridge.
Sgt. William Hook, @ Reed’s Pharmacy, 2830 Northwestern Tpk., Capon Bridge
Ensign Jonathan Hughes @ Capon Bridge Town Hall, 259 Whitacre Loop, Capon Bridge
Col. Elias Poston @ Sheriff’s Tax Office, 195 Capon School St. Capon Bridge
Individuals who find all the patriots will receive a certificate if they return their passports to the library. If you found all the patriots and include your name and contact information on the passport, you will be entered in a drawing for a Gary Drake print of Daniel Morgan or $20 cash (your choice.)
Friday, July 10, Ciro and Tracey Grassi are returning to host an America 250 Hampshire Co.WV Triva event, at The River House.
May Ann Lister of Fort Edwards Foundation will host a “Tea with Mrs. Edwards”.
Dale Brady shared this: Oct 16? – Fashion show – WVSDB – costumes through the ages.
One of the reasons England did not want to part with its colonies was America’s wealth of trees for timber. Since this is our semisesquintennial, wouldn’t this be a great topic for many of our celebrations this year? Brent Combs is willing to bring back his history of logging presentation.
Past events:
Dakota Karper and the Capon Music and Dance Foundation held a Feb. 7 square dance in Capon Bridge. Booth Dyess “talked up” America 250. Colonial-era tunes and the Virginia Reel were featured.
Thurs. Feb. 19, America 250 Community Dinner at the old CB cafeteria.
Feb. 24, Book Club, Romney Library, The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington.
Sat. Feb. 28, was Soulful Celebration, Mt. Pisgah Church, Romney, WV
Friday. April 3, was a Parents Day program (spring concert) at the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind . The theme is “Road Trip Across the USA, celebrating America 250. “..a mix of road trip songs, songs about different states, patriotic songs and skits.”
Fort Edwards Foundation hosted a Colonial Feast Sat. April 18, at the Old CB Cafeteria. Steve McBride was the speaker.
On April 21 both libraries, Capon Bridge Public Library and Hampshire County Public Library in Romney, hosted a “Celebrate America 250: Kite Day.” Ben Franklin (who amazingly resembled Daniel Dorsch, the English teacher at Capon Bridge Middle School) visited the Capon Bridge Public Library yesterday. Ben told of his early life, his inventions, and his part in creating our nation. Maybe other organizations will want to invite him to speak at their meetings? It was really an excellent presentation delivered with Ben’s wit. Thank you, libraries and Daniel Dorsch and Moe Baker. www.facebook.com/daniel.dorsch.752/posts/pfbid02Hc7YdbvAw9agJRUEpD56EuwcXdbVvRwzWctbgywgar3LzV3rUPYoxmBUJMzBaXhUl
April 26, Capon Bridge Public Library hosted Mike Robinson’s book signing for “Colonial Tales” and Daniel Dorsch’s book signing for “Thunder and Song.”
Fort Ashby Days, was May 2 and 3
May 9, at the North River Mills/Ice Mt. Festival 2026 we honored the North River Mills Revolutionary War veterans, Gustavus Croston and Ensign Rees Pritchard.
Sat. May 16, 11 AM- 3 PM Fort Loudon Day, Winchester VA.
Thursday, May 28, was “A Day of American History“ at Lost River State Park. More photos from Xarlot Jeans: https: www.facebook.com/groups/692408307491707/posts/27278392065133303
Colonial Decoration Class, was held in Romney WV, June 6.
Sat. June 13, was the Fort Edwards Foundation‘s Family Frontier Day.
On June 17, The Capon Bridge United Women in Faith celebrated America 250.
Celebration. (Photos here: https://www.facebook.com/steve.bailes2/posts/pfbid0AUgHJxW7QcueqUfKfMnkiTgFD6BVBjKoAeSsMpTpkfuGYQrDxJeWJQ9nQgGQzXryl
June 29- July 1, a fleet of 6 Freedom 250 Mobile Museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” brought the story of American independence to students, families, and citizens. It was a free walk-through museum for all ages at the the South Branch Elementary.
July 1, at the Capon Bridge Public Library
July 3, Capon Bridge Music & Fireworks America 250 Celebration was free.
Streamline gave a great performance.
July 3, America 250th Celebration Night Cruise-in, at Cam’s Quick Lube, in Romney, WV.
Sat. July 4, was the Capon Valley Ruritan Car & Truck Show – 4th of July – Yellow Spring, WV.
Sat. July 4, was the Romney Yard Party, WV. www.facebook.com/events/1530673175405051
If anybody is looking for America 250 topics
Claypool/Baker Rebellion Hardy and Hampshire County
Adam Heiskell [Related to Christopher?] (Morgan’s men, march to Quebec)
Barney Karren (marched to Yorktown) served in critical engagements.
Captain Michael Stump Jr. led militia involved in suppressing Tory unrest in the county.
(well over 100 veterans)
Roles of Native Americans during the Revolution: www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/roles-native-americans-during-revolution
Revolutionary War Veterans of Hampshire County www.historichampshire.org/revwar.htm
Capt. William Forman‘s defeat on the Ohio River during the Revolutionary War. Forman was from Hampshire County.
June 7, 1781, Francis Asbury crossed the Cacapon River on his first visit to Hampshire County. He stayed at William Rannells before traveling to Richard Williams
1781, 9 December, Thomas, Sixth Lord Fairfax, dies. He lived at White Post, east of Winchester. After the war, Lord Fairfax’s vast landholdings were confiscated and auctioned by Virginia, leading to settlement booms.
WV and Hampshire County Topics
Daniel Morgan, the Winchester hero of Cowpens and Saratoga. He and Michael Cresap’s Rifles may have saved Washington’s army at Boston. He was almost killed near Capon Bridge, WV, in 1756.
Adam Stephens, Washington was livid when Gen. Stephens’ command attacked Trenton the evening before the famous battle. But Stephens’ early attack may have made Washington’s battle successful. He lived near present day Martinsburg.
Horatio Gates, Patriot Revolutionary War General who built “Traveller’s Rest” near present-day Kearneysville, WV, in 1773.
George Washington
Fort Randolph, Point Pleasant, WV, Chief Cornstalk was assassinated here in 1777.
Revolutionary Women
Deborah Sampson (disguised soldier)
Mary Ludwig Hays (“Molly Pitcher”)
poet Phillis Wheatley.
Abigail Adams
Anna Strong (Culpr spy ring, used laundry signals),
Agent 355 (unidentified patriot)
Lydia Darragh (secret messages)
Mercy Otis Warren
Books:
Non-fiction
Nathaniel Philbrick has written an excellent series of histories on the Revolutionary War. (including Valiant Ambition.)
Mike Robinson, Colonial Tales. Dan Oates’s Fort Pearsall Press also carries this book.
The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington, Brad Meltzer
Cresap’s Rifles, “This extraordinary story relates the invaluable contributions made by the elite riflemen who served as, “George Washington’s Continental Army Shock Troops.” Michal Cresap‘s home and museum is just across the river from Greenspring.
Revolutionary Mothers, by Carol Berkin.
Historical novels
Jeff Shaara has written 3 excellent novels about the American Revolution.
Hornet’s Nest, Jimmy Carter. Pres. Carter accurately portrayed the Revolutionary War as our 1st “un-civil” war.
Young Adult
Johnny Tremain, Esther Forbes. Set in Boston at the beginning of the Revolution.
My Brother Sam is Dead, James Lincoln Collier, 1974
Daniel Morgan
Videos
“Washington” on Netflix
“The American Revolution”, Ken Burns. Donate $5/month to PBS, and you can watch any from their video library.
Charles Kuralt’s “The Revolutionary War“, 1995 mini-series 6-episode series
Free: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBuvYBeX5MW_VlJWg5t9MlVQFu4KZS7Ak
“All For Liberty”, Revolutionary hero, Henry Felder in SC, free
The First American, George Washington (free)
George Washington mini series Part 1, 19845, Barry Bostwick, free.
Part II , Washington’s Presidency. (also free.)
“1776” Musical. Free with ads, or on other platforms
Johnny Tremain, 1957 film. Available on many platforms
“Love , Courage, and the Battle of Bushy Run” 1763 Battle, free
Podcasts:
Ben Franklin’s World, Episode 426: Michael Wise, Beyond the First Thanksgiving: Indigenous Agriculture and the Hidden Science of Native Foodways
Ben Franklin’s World Episode 427: How States Are Planning the 250th: Commemorating the American Revolution in 2026
America 250 sites:
DAR America 250!https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution/
www.pbs.org/Americanrevolution has some great resources
Stephen Englebright, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, steveenglebright@comcast.net
Misc.
Rivers as highways
Colonial roads
Colonial Crafts
Blacksmithing
Broom making
Gunsmith: https://www.historichampshire.org/named/Gunsmiths_Trace.pdf, John McKee, Mark
Soap making
“Iconic Colonial Recipes:“
- Hoppin’ John: A South Carolina dish of rice and field peas.
- Cornmeal Fritters/Hoe Cakes: Cornmeal, water, and bacon grease fried in a skillet.
- Salmagundi: A popular 18th-century salad, chopped meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, & nuts.
- Potato Fritters: Boiled, mashed potatoes mixed with spices and sugar, fried in lard.
- Apple Pandowdy: Sliced apples, molasses, and spices covered in a biscuit-like dough.
- Gingerbread Cakes: A dense, soft cookie sweetened with molasses.
- Beef Alamode: A hearty beef stewed with bacon, root vegetables, and herbs.
- Nasaump: A Native American-inspired dish of cornmeal, nuts, and berries
Typical Ingredients & Methods:
- Sweeteners: Molasses, maple sugar, and honey (refined sugar was expensive).
- Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace, and ginger.
- Cooking Method: most prepared over an open hearth in heavy pots (pipkins) or cast-iron skillets.
- Preservation:
- Meats were often smoked, salted, or dried, requiring long stewing times to become tender.
- More recipes
- American Revolution Recipes | 18th Century Colonial …
- Colonial Recipes
- Jamestown Colonial recipes
- Hampshire County Revolutionary Veterans from Charley Hall’s list on Historic Hampshire
- And…
- Isaac Millar
Jackie Graybill at the Romney Brew Station (on Main St. just down from the light) and Tina Ladd at the Hampshire Highlands page are working with others to encourage America 250 events. Contact them if you have ideas (or me at bailesssteve@yahoo.com.)
Next door
Tourism
Conococheague
Gloucester Museum in Gloucester, VA.
I have a new and greater appreciation for the French after learning of “the Battle of the Hook.”
Lauzun’s Legion (which became the French Foreign Legion) ld the largest cavalry engagement of the American Revolution against Lord Tarleton. The Allied victory cut off Cornwallis’s escape route at Yorktown. https://gloucesterva.gov/museum-of-history
Here is a virtual tour: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bc5sWw3rUQ This museum is free.
American Revolution Museum in Yorktown and Yorktown National Park “next door.
Here is a virtual tour of the museum: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9yr1c8N7rQ
James Monroe’s museum I have a new appreciation for Pres. Monroe and I look forward to reading more about him.www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBTYd2MHrpE