CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
On October 16, 1957, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Virginia during the commonwealth’s 350th anniversary celebration of the founding of Jamestown. The Queen’s visit prompted intense interest from citizens, government officials, and the media.
The royal visit was a whirlwind event that began at 1:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Airport. The visit included an extended tour of Jamestown Island and the newly opened Jamestown Festival Park, which later became known as Jamestown Settlement. A public event at the College of William and Mary was followed by a reception at the restored Governor’s Palace at Colonial Williamsburg and then with a dinner at the Williamsburg Inn. The royal couple departed Virginia for Washington, D.C. later that evening on board President Eisenhower's official airplane, The Columbine III.Citation: Farewell Remarks to Queen Elizabeth II, Governor Thomas B. Stanley’s Papers, General Correspondence, 1954–1958, Library of Virginia
Standards
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Scan It: Scan the document and the transcript, what is the subject of the letter? To whom was it written?
Post Activities
Up for Debate: Americans have a fascination with British royalty, despite having fought a Revolution to become independent from them. Would you support or protest such a visit? Explain.
Current Connections: In 2007, Queen Elizabeth visited Virginia again to mark the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Analyze her speech to the Legislators and identify an differences. The speech is found at http://www.jamestowndemocracy.org/uploads/elizabeth.pdf