History

Revolution 250: Stories From The First Shore

Hampton Roads played a vital role in America’s founding. This series highlights the people and institutions from our region that helped shape who we were in 1776, and who we’d become 250 years later. Featuring patriots of diverse backgrounds, who have often been omitted from our history books, their bold contributions were immeasurable in igniting a revolution that reshaped the world.

Unlikely Hero: James Armistead Lafayette

7m 9s

James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man turned double agent, risked his life to spy on the British, delivering crucial intelligence to the Marquis de Lafayette that led to victory at Yorktown. His bravery earned him freedom, a pension, and enduring recognition as one of America’s unsung Revolutionary heroes.

Episodes

  • Unlikely Hero: James Armistead Lafayette: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Unlikely Hero: James Armistead Lafayette

    E9 - 7m 9s

    James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man turned double agent, risked his life to spy on the British, delivering crucial intelligence to the Marquis de Lafayette that led to victory at Yorktown. His bravery earned him freedom, a pension, and enduring recognition as one of America’s unsung Revolutionary heroes.

  • Black Loyalists: Fighting for Freedom: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Black Loyalists: Fighting for Freedom

    E8 - 3m 20s

    In 1776, hundreds of formerly enslaved men joined Lord Dunmore’s British forces on Gwynn’s Island, seeking freedom through war. Stricken by smallpox and starvation, they endured fierce cannon fire from Patriot troops under General Andrew Lewis. The British were forced to retreat, making a pivotal turn in the conflict and a huge moment in Virginia’s Revolutionary War history.

PBS PASSPORT

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA+ and PBS Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.