06/07/2026
The Road to Independence
Westmoreland County is the home of Stratford Hall, the historic estate of the Lee family, who produced two signers of the Declaration of Independence: Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee.
The national path to independence fundamentally began in Westmoreland County:
* The Leedstown Resolves (February 1766): Drafted by Richard Henry Lee, this early document was signed by over 100 Virginians (including several of George Washington's brothers). It was a fierce protest against the British Stamp Act and is considered one of the earliest organized protests of British overreach in the colonies.
* The Lee Resolution (June 7, 1776): Acting on the instructions of the Virginia Convention, Richard Henry Lee stood before the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and introduced a historic motion: "That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States."
* Virginia Resolved: Due to these critical contributions, Westmoreland County and Stratford Hall host "Virginia Resolved," a signature historical event. This two-day celebration commemorates the precursors to independence with living history demonstrations, cavalry drills, and fireworks.
Stratford Hall
Thanks to Karen and her team for a wonderful evening on the oval.
