Robert Van Ness

Virginia History Podcast

History EN ↓ 109 episodes

The Virginia History Podcast covers the rich history that has made the Commonwealth what it is today. Events covered during this podcast will include - Colonial EraAmerican War for IndependencePre-Civil WarCivil WarReconstructionEarly ModernVirginia During the World's WarsCold War VirginiaContemporary VirginiaAlong the way, I will blog, mostly small notes, resources, and pictures to supplement the history at www.vahistorypodcast.com

Author

Robert Van Ness

Category

History

Podcast website

vahistorypodcast.com

Latest episode

Jan 30, 2026

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Episodes

1619 - Women and Angolans Arrive 30.11.2017

In which the arrival of Virginia's first women and Africans is detailed.

Special Episode - The First Thanksgiving, Virginia 1619 17.11.2017

In which the details of the First Thanksgiving, which took place in 1619 Virginia, is narrated.

James River Plantations Part 3 27.10.2017

In which the continued growth along the James River is outlined detailing the first ironworks, the first representative government, the first Thanksgiving, and other changes stemming from the newest plantations being founded in Virginia.

Special Halloween Podcast - Haunted Shirley 21.10.2017

In which L.B. Taylor's Essay about Shirley Plantation's Haunted Aunt Pratt is read for this Halloween Special Podcast.

James River Plantations Part 2 26.09.2017

In which the Company realizes that they have no other choice but to offer land to investors, and that land is transformed into vibrant plantations.

James River Plantations Part 1 29.08.2017

In which details concerning Henricus being further fortified and Thomas Dale's shifting power up the James River in order to establish a series of plantations along the James River is recounted.

The Rolfe's, Tobacco, and Pocahontas' Death 24.07.2017

In which Thomas Dale tries to shape the colony, Rolfe's tobacco experiment, the growth of the James River Plantations, the Rolfes' travel to England, and Pocahontas dies are recounted.

How Pocahontas Became Rebecca Rolfe 22.06.2017

In which the events leading up to Pocahontas marriage to John Rolfe are recounted.

A Virginia Rembrance - Memorial Day 28.05.2017

In which a brief overview of Virginia's history leading to her contribution to Memorial Day is recounted.

Dale's Arrival, The Cittie of Henricus, and Bermuda 20.05.2017

In which Thomas Dale arrives, founds Henricus, fights Powhatan, is challenged by the Spanish, and asks for new settlers. The Virginia Company obliges, but has to use Bermuda to raise funds.

Salvation, War, Uncertainty - Delaware's Arrival 22.04.2017

In which the Sea Venture survivors arrive, attempt to leave, and are turned back as Lord Delaware shows up, reorganizes the colony, joins a war, and returns to England.

Paradise, Freedom, Mutiny, and Disaster 24.03.2017

In which the Sea Venture castaways settled into Bermuda, but a series of mutinies threatened to derail their escape plans. Perhaps they would have wished they would have remained on Devil's Isle after they reached Jamestown in May 1610.

The Starving Time 24.02.2017

In which the Jamestown colony suffers through the Starving Time.

Smith's Time Ends 18.01.2017

In which the surviving 6 ships make it to Jamestown only to see chaos erupt and John Smith leave Virginia.

Shipwrecked at the Isle of Devils! 08.12.2016

In which the third resupply mission sails away from England, endures 7 weeks of calm seas and disease before being tormented by a hurricane. The Sea Venture is then run aground at a frightening location.

John Smith's Time Nears the End 16.11.2016

In which Smith fights enemies in Virginia and England, endures, but the Virginia Company reforms itself, and thus legally ends Smith's control in Jamestown. 

Halloween Special - Haunted Rosewell 27.10.2016

In which a ghost stories pertaining to Gloucester's Rosewell Plantation from LB Taylor Jr's  Ghosts of Tidewater are read.

President John Smith - Part 2 06.10.2016

In which Smith and his men endure a winter storm plagued journey to Werowocomoco, dodge death at Powhatan's hands, and then confront Opechancanough in a deadly standoff.

President Smith - Part 1 08.09.2016

In which the beginning of John Smith's Presidency, which is challenged by Christopher Newport's arrival, is narrated.

John Smith Explores the Chesapeake Bay 14.08.2016

In which, Newport returns, saves John Smith again, meets Powhatan, and returns to England. Then Smith explores the Chesapeake Bay region on two missions before returning to Jamestown to take control of the struggling colony on September 10, 1608 is recounted.

John Smith Takes Action 17.07.2016

In which details about John Smith's early life are recounted as a segue into his early attempts to save Jamestown from collapse. Along the way, Opechancanough, Powhatan, and Pocahontas are met.

Death in the Summer 29.06.2016

In which Christopher Newport returns to courtly intrigue, while spy games threaten to undermine the Virginia venture. Meanwhile, harsh summer conditions plague the Jamestown colonists, death claims half of the men, and chaos rules supreme. The time is right for a brash upstart to take control. 

Uneasy Times 01.06.2016

In which Christopher Newport explores Powhatan lands along what the English would name the James River, Jamestown is attacked by an Indian alliance, and James Fort had to be built, all before Newport decided to sail back to England on June 22, 1607.

Jamestown Day! 14.05.2016

In which the two week period between First Landing at Cape Henry and the colonists choose Jamestown Island as their home is recounted.

Jamestown Voyage 01.05.2016

In which events concerning the formation of the London Company and the 1607 voyage to Virginia are illustrated.

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