Nelson County is proud to be a Commemorative Partner of VA250—the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission.

From the ideas that inspired it, to the battlefields that decided it, there is simply no America without Virginia. As we mark 250 years of Independence, now is the perfect time to reconnect with your country in the place that made it possible. Please join us at VA250.org.

See Upcoming Events

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Blue Mountain Brewery team up for America’s 250th

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the Blue Mountain Brewery have launched a new brew to mark a big anniversary.

The two have teamed up to create a brand new ale, Rough Draft, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The process to make this drink took some creativity.

“It is an American peach wheat ale, so that means it has mostly barley, but it does have a hefty amount of wheat that goes in there,” said James Critz, the senior brewer at Blue Mountain Barrel House. “We got local peaches from Monticello’s Tufton Farm. During the brew process, we pit the peaches, sterilize them, hang them in the tank during fermentation, and in the end, add a little bit more puree to balance the flavors.”

And a little bit of history.

“His orchard was very important to him. Jefferson grew peaches, apples, cherries, and more,” said Stephanie Fox, the director of retail at Monticello. “Our peach trees are abundant here on the mountaintop, and we wanted to incorporate those in a way for people to taste them and see how wonderful they are.”

But in the end, the two were able to create a refreshing drink that is the perfect concoction for people to enjoy this summer.

“It is lovely, it’s a great summer ale, I love how light it is, and you get a little bit of the wheat flavor, but not a lot,” said Critz.

“It is incredible. We debuted it on July 4 up here on the mountaintop at our naturalization ceremony and it was very well received,” Fox said.

The Rough Draft is available now at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or at any participating Blue Mountain Brewery stores.

Voices of Revolution: Nelson County’s Hidden Heroes of 1776

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War. In recognition of this historic milestone, the Nelson County Historical Society is launching a podcast series to honor the service and struggles of men and women from our region during this pivotal era. While Nelson County would not be separated from Amherst County until 1807, we’ve uncovered compelling stories of residents and soldiers from the area that would become Nelson County.


 

AMERICAN CELEBRATION 250

The Massies Mill Ruritan Club will sponsor a United States flag display in tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.  Each flag will be displayed on a wooden staff in the lighted yard area around our building.  The flags will be placed in a 10’ x 10’ array.  The donor’s name and dedication will be attached to each staff.  This display will be erected about June 20th and remain open to the public 24/7 until July 10th.

1)      Each flag will cost $75.  The purchase and handling of the flag will be $25.  MMRC will receive $25 as the sponsor.  The last $25 will be donated to the organization that sells the flag .  If purchased directly from MMRC this amount may be donated to a charity of the buyers choice.  If the buyer wants a higher quality flag these amounts will be adjusted.  Persons may provide their own flags for the payment of $25.

2)      Flags will remain the property of the purchaser and can be picked up at specified times following the event, or may be stored at MMRC with the hope that the display can repeated in following years.  MMRC will not be responsible for any damage to any flag.

3)      All flags must be 3 ft by 5 ft and consist entirely or partially contain the Stars and Stripes. This allows the use of 250th anniversary flags.  Names will be affixed to each flag.

4)      All purchases must be made by May 15th to allow time for ordering and installation.

5)      Checks may be made payable to the Massies Mill Ruritan Club.  Mailing address:   PO BOX 103   Roseland, VA 22967.  Contact Dave Hight with questions…434-277-5351

Purchaser………….

Address………….

Telephone and email……………..

Dedication………………..