The grave and memorial of Revolutionary War patriot William Letcher at Laurel Hill served as the centerpiece of the June 29 America 250 kickoff celebration.
The JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust and Patrick County Tourism kicked off Patrick County’s America 250 celebration June 29 at Laurel Hill with an evening honoring Revolutionary War patriot William Letcher through living history demonstrations, music, food, fireworks and a presentation by local historian Tom Perry, a historical author and local author historian of the Letcher, Stuart, and Dellenback families (Charlie Melton Dellenback Sr. saved the grave from being moved in the mid 1950s) of Ararat, Dan River District.
Fireworks Director Chris Corbett of Stuart, with DJ Lawson of the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department, and their helpers, at the JEB Stuart Birthplace, Laurel Hill Park.
Local historian and author Tom Perry speaks about Revolutionary War-era Patrick County during the June 29 celebration at Laurel Hill.Chris Corbett, left, coordinated the fireworks display with DJ Lawson and members of the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department during the America 250 kickoff celebration at the JEB Stuart Birthplace at Laurel Hill.
JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust President Ronnie Haynes, left, is joined by Patrick County Tourism Director James Houchins during the America 250 kickoff event at Laurel Hill.Members of the Ararat Ruritan Club, Colonel Abram Penn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the JEB Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust serve barbecue, cake and lemonade during the June 29 celebration.