Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 2011, the Virginia class submarine USS California was commissioned at Norfolk. The Virginia class of subs is known to “excel in stealth, intelligence gathering, and warfare.” More than 20 of these submarines are in service today. Welcome to The Virginia Flyover! Today, we’re bringing you […]

Monday, October 28, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1861, what the military called “the largest fleet of war ships and transports ever assembled” tried to leave Fortress Monroe, one of the few facilities in Virginia to remain in Union hands after the Commonwealth seceded. Storms dogged the expedition from the beginning, and it […]

Friday, October 25, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1888, Navy aviator and explorer Richard E. Byrd was born in Winchester.  Byrd was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor after successfully flying over the North Pole. He later flew solo across the Atlantic and explored Antarctica. Welcome to The Virginia Flyover, where we explore […]

Thursday, October 24, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1861, voters in 39 counties in the Allegheny Mountain region agreed to carve out a new state that would remain a part of the United States rather than join the Confederacy. They would eventually enter the Union as the state of West Virginia, one of […]

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1878, a hurricane caused 84 mph winds at Cape Henry. Cobb and Smith Islands, on the Eastern Shore, were entirely submerged by the storm, which also wrecked the A.S. Davis near Virginia Beach, killing 18 people.  Welcome to The Virginia Flyover, where we cover the state […]

Monday, October 21, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1861, Union troops crossed the Potomac River into Loudoun County to attack what they thought was a Confederate camp. Over the course of the day, they were pushed back into the river and suffered many losses in what became the battle of Ball’s Bluff. Thank […]

Thursday, October 17, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1922, Lt. Cmdr. Virgil C. Griffin took off from the deck of the USS Langley, which was anchored in Virginia’s York River. It was the Navy’s first carrier takeoff. Welcome to The Virginia Flyover, where we take off daily and cover everything happening in the […]

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1859, abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry (then in Virginia, now in West Virginia). He hoped to arm enslaved people and form an “Army of Liberation,” but instead was captured and executed. The Virginia Flyover scours the Commonwealth […]

Monday, October 14, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 2019, the Virginia Women’s Monument was unveiled outside the state capitol. “Voices from the Garden” features life-size statues of historical figures and honors Commonwealth residents who broke ground on human rights, voting rights, education, and more. The Virginia Flyover is working to bring you news […]

Thursday, October 10, 2024 Good morning! On this day in 1678, King Charles II issued a new charter for the Virginia colony. Under it, the General Assembly had no autonomous rights or privileges and existed only at the pleasure of the crown. Virginians were said to be unamused by the assertion of royal power. Welcome to […]