Events with tag - Richmond

January 1, 1748

First US Commercial Coal Mine

The first commercial coal mine in the United States opened in Richmond, Virginia in 1748, marking a pivotal moment in American industrial history. The discovery came after blacksmiths found coal fragments near the James River, leading to the establishment of the James River Coal Company.

January 1, 1748

First Commercial Coal Mine in America

The first commercial coal mining operation began in 1748 in Richmond, Virginia, marking a pivotal moment in American industrial history. Located in the Richmond Coal Basin, this operation laid the foundation for the American coal industry and sparked nationwide industrial development.

April 1, 1861

Elizabeth Van Lew's Union Spy Network

Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite turned Union spy, established and operated the most successful Union intelligence network in the Confederate capital from 1861 to 1865. Despite her Confederate family background, she leveraged her social position to gather critical military intelligence while maintaining the deceptive persona of 'Crazy Bet'.

April 17, 1861

Virginia's Secession

Virginia's decision to secede from the Union marked a critical turning point in the American Civil War, coming after the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and Lincoln's call for troops. As the most populous and economically powerful Southern state, Virginia's secession transformed a regional dispute into a full-scale civil war.

June 1, 1862

Lee Becomes Confederate Commander

Robert E. Lee was appointed commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia on June 1, 1862, following General Joseph E. Johnston's injury at the Battle of Seven Pines. This appointment marked a pivotal moment in Civil War history.