10 Then And Now Photos In Virginia That Show Just How Much It Has Changed...Or Not
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Anna Strock
Author
Virginia has one of the longest and richest histories of any state in the nation. Our history is tangible today through homes, markers and museums in nearly every town and city in the state. But to see a comparison of history through the lens of historic photographs next to modern day imagery lends a completely new perspective to past events, people and places. The following 10 images show well-known places around Virginia with a look back at what these places were in the past.
During the Civil War, Belle Isle housed a Union prison camp. This photo shows Major Thomas P. Turner, who at the time was commandant of the "Libby Prison," standing on the hill looking down at the camp. In the background, you can see Confederate guard tents.
Today, Belle Isle is a popular hang-out spot for Richmonders. Open for pedestrians and bicyclers, the island can reached from a suspension footbridge beneath the Robert E. Lee bridge on the north shore of the James River.
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On the night of April 18, 1878, seventy Native Americans came to Hampton from Fort Sill, having just been released from imprisonment at the end of the Red River War. They were sent to the institute by General Armstrong, because they were no longer considered "dangerous." These men and women became the first "American Indian" students at Hampton, launching a Native American education program that lasted over the following 40 years.
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Hampton University is, today, a primarily African American school with many prestigious departments and programs. The two students above, Lauren Patterson and Malik Jones, received a one-year college scholarship in addition to the Apple internship.
Originally built in 1701-1705, the capitol building in Williamsburg was the first meeting place of the Virginia General Assembly and General Court. In this photo, an old British flag flies atop the building by permission of the British and U.S. governments.
Preservation of Colonial Williamsburg began with the vision and leadership of Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, rector of Bruton Parish Church, in 1926. Restoration began after he shared his dreams of preserving the history of Williamsburg with John D. Rockefeller Jr., and since then, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation has maintained the cultural and historical significance of our state’s first capital.
Founded as an "academic village" by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia originally consisted of the Rotunda, the lawn, rooms for students and interspersed "pavilions" that housed classes and professors. Note the cattleguard at the south end of the lawn. A "cattleguard" served as a barrier to cattle while allowing the passage of pedestrians.
Only fourth year students, who have applied and been accepted, live in the "dorm" rooms along the lawn now. And at the south end, the cattleguard has long been replaced with academic buildings.
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Unfortunately, the plane crashed and Wright’s passenger, Lt. Thomas Selfridge, died as a result of the crash, making him the first airplane casualty in history. In the second photo (above), medics attend to Orville Wright just after the crash.
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The forts combined as a result of the base realignments and closures of 2005. The United States Army runs the base, but it is home to members of the Army, Navy and Marines. The most prominent residents are the Arlington National Cemetery Honor Guard.
The new light was built in 1881 after lightning struck the original light and its stability was questioned.
The "old" Cape Henry light was the first lighthouse to be commissioned by the U.S. government in 1792 and stands near the 1607 site of the first landing of the Jamestown settlers.
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The cotton mills started in 1904 in Roanoke and provided employment for many of the city’s residents.
The building offers premium lofts with amenities like granite, maple flooring, exposed timber beams, and stainless steel appliances.
Hundreds of families were relocated from the 193,000 acres of land that now makes up the Shenandoah National Park. Many of these families had been in the area for hundreds of years.
Standing at over 3,200 feet, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The first official pony swim and auction was held in 1925 to raise money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company after fires devastated the island. By 1937, as many as 25,000 visitors attended the event and in 1947, the ponies were officially acquired by the fire company and moved in their entirety to Assateague until the summer swim and festival.
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Every year, tens of thousands of visitors gather from around the world to watch this incredible event.
John Paul Jones was a Scottish American sailor who gained recognition as the first well-known naval fighter in the Revolutionary War. Some know him as the "Father of the American Navy." He lived in this house in Fredericksburg with his brother, Paul, a tailor, in the mid-1770s.
It’s always fascinating to see which places in the state have changed dramtically, and why, as well as those that have stayed the same. Where are some of your favorite historic places in the state? Do you think they have changed much over the years? We would love to hear your contributions in the comments below!
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