Virginia’s Hidden Capital in 1781 | Roanoke News

In 1781, as British forces burned Richmond and chased Virginia’s government into hiding, lawmakers fled west to Staunton — where a church became the state’s temporary capital for sixteen critical days. There, they elected a new governor and debated radical measures, including making George Washington dictator of Virginia — narrowly defeated by just six votes. Though the government soon returned to Richmond, this forgotten chapter reveals how close the Revolution came to collapse — and why preserving freedom remains our greatest responsibility. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5b2021e04bed77d1