Charlottesville and Albemarle County were home to third United States president, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the primary author for the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence did not free all people within the United States, nor did it recognize the impact European settlers had on the First Peoples. The legacy of the Declaration of Independence is still being realized today as the United States aims to build a more perfect union. The Charlottesville-Albemarle VA-250 Committee recognizes that the story of the United States begins with Americans who trace their histories back millennia, those who arrived yesterday, and everyone in between.
White men who enlisted in the Revolutionary War were assigned to the 14th Virginia Regiment, which was raised on September 16, 1776, in western Virginia for service with the Continental Army. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Brandywine, Battle of Germantown, Battle of Monmouth, and Siege of Charleston. Most of the regiment was captured at Charlestown, South Carolina on May 12, 1780, by the British Army. The regiment was formally disbanded on November 15, 1783.
This region saw relatively little action during the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War came to Charlottesville in 1778 when the prisoners captured during the battles of Saratoga of October 1777 were moved from Boston to Charlottesville. The victory at Saratoga was a turning point for the Revolutionary War.
As the second British invasion of Virginia, led by Benedict Arnold in December of 1780, began to threaten Richmond, the Virginia legislature moved its proceedings to Charlottesville. After Cornwallis had taken charge of all British forces in Virginia in early June of 1781, he sent Colonel Banastre Tarleton and a mounted British force on a lightning raid to Charlottesville. He hoped to capture members of the Virginia legislature and (at that time) Governor Thomas Jefferson. Captain John Jouett of the Virginia Militia galloped ahead of Tarleton and was able to spread the alarm, so the crisis was averted.
The Committee will also recognize the regional contributions of the Monacan Nation, the Black Patriots of Albemarle, the annual naturalization ceremony at Monticello on July 4th, the home of James Monroe, the legacy of the James River in Scottsville and more.
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Super Saturday in the Garden - America the BeautifulCelebrate America the Beautiful during June Super Saturday as we honor our nation’s 250th anniversary and the incredible beauty of native plants. En... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Charlottesville Downtown MallJoin us in celebrating 50 years of the heart of Charlottesville! This July 3rd, we’ll be throwing a birthday party to remember with a community l... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Revolutionary PrintingJoin us on the Fourth of July for Revolutionary Printing—a free, family-friendly UVA250 celebration of the materials, crafts, and stories of the fou... Read More
Red, White, and Rooftop - Fourth of July at UP on the RoofCelebrate the Fourth of July at UP on the Roof with an all-American rooftop party complete with elevated cookout favorites, refreshing summer cocktail... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Biscuits, Wine, and the Story of PlaceA Hands-On Culinary Experience in the historic Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville Food tells the truth about a place. Long before Charlottesv... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Cville Band America 250 Birthday CelebrationAmerica turns 250 years old and The Charlottesville Band, now in its 104th year, will be celebrating at Ting Pavilion on Saturday, July 11 at 3:30pm. ... Read More
A Songwriter's Journey Through American MusicJoin the Library for a performance of original songs interspersed with selections of classic folk, roots, and country tunes. In a program originally d... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Annual Chihamba African American Cultural Arts FestivalChihamba invites you to celebrate the vibrancy of our diverse cultural heritage at the 35th Cultural Arts Festival. Join us for a day filled with live... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Historic Downtown Mall Walking TourTake a casual, eight block guided walk around Charlottesville's historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. Surr... Read More
Court Square: Where Charlottesville Began Walking TourBeginning at the Albemarle County Circuit Courthouse, this tour explores the history of the region from the Monacan Nation to its modern history and t... Read More
Jefferson Remembers the DeclarationOffered Weekly, Wed. - Sat. between Mar. 18 and Jul. 31, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm... Read More
James River Batteau Festival in ScottsvilleCelebrate the 41st Annual James River Batteau Festival in historic Scottsville on Wednesday, June 24 from 3:30–7:30 PM at the James River Reeling & ... Read More
US Mint at Monticello: Celebrating the Declaration CoinJoin Monticello and the United States Mint for a celebration of the new Declaration of Independence Semiquincentennial Coin, commemorating 250 years s... Read More
Extended Juneteenth Celebration at Simpson ParkA Celebration of Juneteenth that encompasses the second installation of historical signage on the premises of Simpson Park which is the namesake for J... Read More
Declaration of Independence Print ShopCome celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own copy at Monticello. Two hundred and fifty years ago, t... Read More
Garden Basics: Herb GardeningJoin us on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as we welcome the Piedmont Master Gardeners for the FREE program on the history and magic... Read More
Monticello Wine Week Feast of Reason DinnerThe Virginia Wine Collective by Eastwood presents Feast of Reason, a special dinner designed to invite conversation and highlight local chefs and wine... Read More
Declaration of Independence Print ShopCome celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own at Monticello. The Declaration of Independence was first... Read More
Feast of Reason at Virginia Wine CollectiveEastwood Farm and Winery presents Feast of Reason at the Virginia Wine Collective in Charlottesville—an immersive dinner with Monticello, featuring ... Read More
1.776 Montalto ChallengeJoin us for the Montalto Challenge, a 1.776 mile race up Jefferson's high-mountain with spectacular views of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mounta... Read More
Drafting the Declaration with Thomas JeffersonJoin Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by historical interpreter Bill Barker, as he takes you back to the turbulent times of America’s founding.... Read More
Jefferson Remembers the DeclarationOffered Weekly, Wed. - Sat. between Mar. 18 and Jul. 31, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm... Read More
Culinary Diplomacy Project with Former White House Executive Chef Cristeta ComerfordIn a special program marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, Monticello welcomes former White House Executive Chef Cristeta "Cris" Comerfo... Read More
Fourth of July Weekend Tastings and Wings Over Wine CountryCelebrate the 250th anniversary with VA250 wines at Eastwood Farm and Winery. There will be live music each day, as well as the release party for the ... Read More
Happy Birthday America!Charlottesville’s favorite Fourth of July event! Gather your friends and family and come celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with us. We’ve go... Read More
Crozet Independence DayA cherished Albemarle County tradition, the Crozet Independence Day Celebration brings the community together each summer for an evening of festive, f... Read More
July 4: Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization CeremonyJoin us for America's 250th anniversary. For over 60 years on Independence Day, Monticello's West Lawn turns into an outdoor courtroom where dozens of... Read More
Revolutionary PrintingJoin us on the Fourth of July for Revolutionary Printing-a free, family-friendly UVA250 celebration of the materials, crafts, and stories of the found... Read More
Independence Day Concert and CelebrationOn Saturday, July 4th, Highland welcomes the public to a FREE Independence Day Concert and Celebration! From 6:00 to 7:00 pm guests are encouraged to ... Read More
Reds, Whites, and BluegrassCelebrate the 4th of July at Keswick Vineyards with some great Red & White Virginia wines as well as local beers, and our ice cold wine slushies! B... Read More
Annual Kiwanis Independence Day 5K Run-WalkA Charlottesville summer holiday tradition, the 43rd Annual Kiwanis Independence Day 5K Run-Walk will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 7:30 am,... Read More
Fourth of July Weekend Tastings and Wings Over Wine CountryCelebrate the 250th anniversary with VA250 wines at Eastwood Farm and Winery. There will be live music each day, as well as the release party for the ... Read More
Fourth of July Weekend Tastings and Wings Over Wine CountryCelebrate the 250th anniversary with VA250 wines at Eastwood Farm and Winery. There will be live music each day, as well as the release party for the ... Read More
Jefferson Remembers the DeclarationOffered Weekly, Wed. - Sat. between Mar. 18 and Jul. 31, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm... Read More
Declaration of Independence Print ShopCome celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own copy at Monticello. Two hundred and fifty years ago, t... Read More
Declaration of Independence Print ShopCome celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own at Monticello. The Declaration of Independence was first... Read More
Jefferson Remembers the DeclarationOffered Weekly, Wed. - Sat. between Mar. 18 and Jul. 31, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm... Read More
Jefferson Remembers the DeclarationOffered Weekly, Wed. - Sat. between Mar. 18 and Jul. 31, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm... Read More
Jefferson Remembers the DeclarationOffered Weekly, Wed. - Sat. between Mar. 18 and Jul. 31, 2026, from 4:00-5:00pm... Read More
VA250 Mobile Museum ExperienceHighland will host the VA250 Mobile Museum from Thursday, July 30, through Saturday, August 1. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive "museum on wheel... Read More
Declaration of Independence Print ShopCome celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own copy at Monticello. Two hundred and fifty years ago, t... Read More
Declaration of Independence Print ShopCome celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own at Monticello. The Declaration of Independence was first... Read More
