History from Southwest Virginia

Benjamin Jenkins
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History from Southwest Virginia

A monthly podcast series that looks into Southwest Virginia from the first pioneers up through the 21st Century. Every episode discusses about the different individuals, places, and events that changed this backcountry's history, which includes some of Americas greatest people and events in US history. Email (to share or comment on episodes): benthehistorian1@gmail.com

  1. D-Day 80th Anniversary: SWVA Edition

    24 JUN

    D-Day 80th Anniversary: SWVA Edition

    This special commemorative episode talks about D-Day and how it changed WWII but at the cost of so many lives. Its success turned the war in the Allies' favor and was the beginning of liberating Europe from Nazism. Among those their on the beaches, hundreds if not more Southwestern Virginians were present. Whether storming the beaches or dropping in behind enemy lines, they helped to liberate Europe from Nazism. This episode discusses four separate stories: 2 infantry units and 2 individuals, all from SWVA. Sorry it has been awhile since the last posting and that this is late, but kick back and enjoy this Special recording! Save this podcast to your playlist and hit notifications if you haven't!

    53 min

  2. 15 MAY

    William Wood: The Boy Cadet at New Market

    May 15th, 2024 marks the 160th anniversary of the Battle of New Market. A tradition that still continues to this day in the form of Freshmen charging across the field and sometimes a reenactment. 257 Cadets were present at this small, yet pivotal battle that gave the Confederacy one last victory in the Valley. Of them was William Morrison Wood, born in Gate City and was raised in the southern way. Proud to have served his state, he was recognized in 1939 as the last living VMI cadet that was at New Market. Let's learn a bit about William and of the events that lead up to, was, and after the Battle of New Market. **I know that I'd mentioned that there was audio in the episode, but there is none. Sorry

    52 min
  3. N&W 2156: The Workhorse of the Railway

    19 MAR

    N&W 2156: The Workhorse of the Railway

    This 24-minute birthday special episode talks about one of the finest, Roanoke-built steam locomotives to traverse the rails of Southwest Virginia. A sole survivor of the Y5/Y6 mallet locomotives, N&W Y6a 2156 is one of the N&W's "Big Three" alongside the A-Class 1218 and J-Class 611. 2156 was built to pull the heaviest coal drags and freight trains through the Appalachians, with the largest tractive effort recorded in the history of USA Steam Locomotives. Today marks 82 years ago it rolled out of the Roanoke Locomotive Shops. (82nd birthday) *Sorry if there is any miss steps in the recording, this is the first time using the brand-new Riverside platform to make this episode. I couldn't be able to edit the recording at this time. Will work on it next go around.

    23 min

  4. 12 FEB

    Black History Month 2024: The Black Community of New Town

    New Town was a Neighborhood Community like no other. Similar to Roanoke's Gainsboro community, New Town - located north of Downtown Blacksburg - was the center of African American life and culture, along with social and community pride. The neighborhood dates very far back and and many were in high spirits and happy despite the many hardships of discrimination. Tune in to this 20-minute episode about one of the oldest African American Communities in Montgomery County and its nearly 100 year history.

    20 min

  5. 26 JAN

    2024: What to expect?

    This (not actually an) episode will give you a sneak peek at what can be expected for this year regarding episodes and lecture content. Several celebrations, birthdays, and commemorative events will be discussed. But listen in to hear what's in store for this new season of "History from Southwest Virginia."

    18 min

  6. 30/12/2023

    2023 Season Wrap-up

    Thank you for this year and I wish you all a wonderful Holiday. I hope that you learned many things from my posts this year and in previous years. History On, my friends! 😁

    5 min

  7. 28/10/2023

    4th VA: Stonewall Jackson's Frontier Boys

    In the American Civil War, nearly 15,000 men from Southwest Virginia went off to fight for the Confederacy. Of all the units that many Southwest Virginians served in, the 4th Virginia Infantry Regiment is one of the more recognized and well-known units. They were part of the infamous "Stonewall Brigade" and have quite a unique story about themselves. The 4th endured the worst of the war, yet they stayed strong to the end. Watch this 1-hour episode to learn more about them and perhaps be shocked at something you never thought they were known for. *Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only, not to promote any political or social tensions. Sorry that this is late being posted, but Happy Halloween anyway. :)

    55 min

  8. 30/09/2023

    The Huckleberry: "A Rail to Trail Tale"

    Ever wonder how a small, 9-mile spur rail line got its name? How far back in time does its story go? How big of a deal was the Huckleberry line to the area? Listen to this 30-minute episode to learn about the history of coal in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg area, the early founding of the first coal company, its later run under N&W, and the fate of the singular rail line that ultimately connected Blacksburg to the rest of Montgomery County prior to the arrival of automobiles.

    32 min
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A monthly podcast series that looks into Southwest Virginia from the first pioneers up through the 21st Century. Every episode discusses about the different individuals, places, and events that changed this backcountry's history, which includes some of Americas greatest people and events in US history. Email (to share or comment on episodes): benthehistorian1@gmail.com

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