Social Studies-Famous Historical Figures
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- Christopher Columgus
- this person called the people in the lands he discovered "Indians" because he thought he was in the Indies
- King of England (JamesI)
- he granted charters to the Virginia Company of London
- Captain John Smith
- he created a forced work program and gave strong leadership to the Jamestown settlement: initiated trading relationships with the Powhatans
- Pocahantas
- this person is the daughter of Chief Powhatan, believed the English and American Indians could live in harmony: began a friendship with the colonists that helped them to survive
- Thomas Jefferson
- he provided political leadership by expressing the reasons for colonial independence from England in the Declaration of Independence; wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which states that all people should be free to worship as they please. This document was the basis for the First Amendment to the constitution.
- James Armistead Lafayett
- This is a slave from Virginia who served in the Continental Army and was given his freedom after the war.
- George Washington
- he provided military leadership by serving as commander-in-chef of the Continental Army; elected as the first President of the United States of America; provided strong leadership needed to help the young country and provided a model of leadership for future presidents; often called the "Father of out Country"
- Patrick Henry
- he inspired patriots from other colonies when he spoke out against taxation without representation and he stated "....give me liberty or give me death!"
- James Madison
- he believed in the importance of having a United States constitution; kept detailed notes during the Constitutional Convention; his skills at compromise helped delegates reach agreement during the difficult process of writing the Constitution. He is known as the "Father of the Constitution."
- George Mason
- he wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which states that all Virginians should have certain rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of the press. This document became the basis for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.
- Nat Turner
- he lead the revolt against plantation owners in Virginia
- Harriet Tubman
- she established a secret route that escaped slaves took; it became known as the "Underground Railroad:
- John Brown
- he lead a raid on the United States Armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia while trying to start a slave rebellion' he was captured and hanged.
- Abraham Lincoln
- he became President of the United States in 1860 causing some southern states to secede from the Union
- Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
- A confederate soldier who played a major role in the first clash of the Civil War (in the Battle of Bull Run/Manassas)
- Robert E. Lee
- commander of the Army of Northern Virginia; defeated Union troops at Fredericksburg, Va. ; surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House
- Harry F. Byrd
- He lead a Massive Resistance Movement against the integration of public schools; governor known for the "Pay as you Go" policy for road improvements; modernized Virginia state government
- Maggie Walker
- first African American woman to become a bank president in the United States; was also the first woman to become a bank president.
- Arthur Ashe
- first African American winner of a major men's tennis singles championship; author and eloquent spokesperson for social change
- L. Douglas Wilder
- first African American to be elected a state govenor in the United States (Virginia)