History from Southwest Virginia Benjamin Jenkins

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!



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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

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.

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.

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."

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! 😁