Local celebrations for America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026 kicked off with a Historian’s Roundtable at the historic Star Theatre in Stuart on March 8.
Attendees heard from Patrick County Historical Society President John Reynolds, historian and writer Beverly Woody, and Patrick County VA250 Chairman B.J. Nolan. The discussion was moderated by Patrick County Tourism and Economic Development Director James Houchins, who is also a local VA250 committee member.
The historians answered questions about Patrick County’s Revolutionary War-era history, covering topics such as the role of local militias and the county’s eventual split from Henry County. They also discussed the county’s divided loyalties during the war, noting that while some areas supported the British Crown (Tories), public sentiment gradually shifted in favor of the patriot cause.
All three historians agreed that Patrick County’s history remains an ongoing discovery, with much still to be learned. They encouraged residents to share any newly found family histories, documents, or records, such as those preserved in old family Bibles, to help expand the historical narrative.
To close the event, Houchins spoke about the work being done by the local VA250 committee to plan events leading up to America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. He invited community members to get involved in planning the celebrations and encouraged those interested to visit the committee’s Facebook page at facebook.com/PatrickCountyVA250.
