Virginia, like the rest of the country, experienced great change in the 1960s. The beginning of the ’60s felt like a golden era and yet poverty, civil rights, and the Vietnam War proved to be major issues for the country. Virginians lived their lives in both ordinary and historical moments, some of which have been captured below. Seeing photographs from that decade sends us 50 years back, into a different time. Whether you were around during this era or not, you’ll be sure to find these photographs of our state quite mesmerizing.

1. Lady Bird Johnson plants a dogwood tree along I-95 (1965)
Wikicommons
This was part of the First Lady's "Landscape-Landmark" tour.
2. Gym class at the William Fox School (1960)
Wikicommons
3. "Little Joe 1B" takeoff from Wallops Island (1960)
Wikicommons
"Little Joe 1B" launched from Wallops Flight Facility. The purpose of this mission was to test the eclipse system.
4. Proud bowling champions (1961)
Wikicommons
5. James River flooding at the 9th street bridge (1969)
Wikicommons
6. Locals gather to watch flooding (1969)
Wikicommons
Photographed on the same bridge as pictured above.
7. The George Washington arrives in Alexandria (1969)
Wikicommons
8. Pump repair in Byrd Park, Richmond (1961)
Wikicommons
9. A nurse reporting for duty in Richmond (1961)
Wikicommons

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10. Arlington apartment complex (1965)
Roger W/flickr
It's the VW Bug that truly dates this photograph.
11. Fincastle Bluegrass Festival (1965)
Jason Skinner/YouTube
This was Fincastle's first bluegrass festival, and it featured the famous Don Reno and Bill Monroe.
12. Neighborhood kids piling together a scrap collection in Roanoke (1963)
Wikicommons
13. The USS Newport News at the Norfolk Navy Yard, (1965)
Wikicommons
14. A beautiful day at Virginia Beach (1965)
Wikicommons
15. Jefferson Avenue streetlights (1965)
Wikicommons
16. A roadside park in the Allegheny mountains (1961)
Wikicommons
17. Buena Vista's Magnolia Avenue (1969)
Wikicommons
18. Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium (1965)
Virginia Tech/YouTube
This was the first football game that took place in Lane Stadium. William & Mary was defeated with the final score 9-7.

What do you think of these photographs of Virginia in the 1960s? Or, what do you remember about this time in Virginia’s history? We’d love to hear from you!

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