Browse Items (15 total)

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, ethinicity, and nationality; enslaved…

The second quarter of the nineteenth century was dominated by reform movements:  the Second Great Awakening, abolition, women’s suffrage, utopian societies, free public schools, and reforms of prisons, hospitals, and mental institutions. All strived…

The Map of Spain and Portugal                 When examining the map of Spain and Portugal for the first time, the effort that the cartographer put into each aspect is seen. The map contains many details that the cartographer drew with precision.…

Portrait of Simón BolívarThis portrait depicts Simón Bolívar, leader of the movement for independence of Spanish American colonies. Little is known about this antique portrait, and many aspects remain a mystery. It was painted during the lifetime of…

This document shows a photograph, taken in 1939, of one of the monuments that stands in Charlottesville, Virginia, dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Named after its leaders, Virginia natives Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Lewis…

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, ethinicity, and nationality; enslaved…

These two engravings by the Scottish-born artist William Charles (1776–1820) contrast the resistance—or lack thereof—to the British invasions of Alexandria, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland during the War of 1812. Having their cities under attack…

Western Virginia's mineral-spring resorts were extremely popular in the nineteenth century. Travelers from throughout the United States, but especially from the South, visited the resorts, taking the "cure" and enjoying the bucolic rural landscapes…

This map depicts the United States following a rapid territorial expansion due to the Louisiana Purchase. Completed in 1803, the Purchase gave the United States approximately 828,000,000 square miles of territory from French emperor, Napoleon…

In 1850, the United States was embroiled in the slave vs. free state debate as more territories were being added to the Union. Recently elected President Zachary Taylor opposed any legislation that would address the problem, and felt that the issue…