JCC Historical Commission Sponsors Student Essay Contest

JAMES CITY COUNTY — The James City County Historical Commission is sponsoring an essay contest for Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) high school students in grades 9-12.

Students who reside in James City County (JCC) or in the City of Williamsburg and attend a public or private school or are home-schooled are eligible to participate with cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.

Essays are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and may be sent in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx), Rich Text Format (RTF) or Portable Document Format (PDF).

The essay should be 1,000-1,500 words (4-6 pages, double-spaced) on one of the following topics:

1. The Railroad. James City County has a rich history with the railroad. Summarize the history of the railroad in James City County from 1860 to the present. Identify the rail lines that came through James City County and include the location of the train depots and warehouses. Where did the lines originate and end? Were the lines both passenger and freight? What were the main products shipped to and from James City County?  Describe how the rail service changed over the years and what service we have today.
2. African American Schools. Schools for African American students were created in James City County early in our history and some continued well into the 20th century.  Some of those schools were short-lived, but others continued for decades. Identify the earliest schools and tell who created them and their purpose. What were the Rosenthal schools and when were they started and when were they closed?  What were the local and state laws that controlled the education of African American students?  When did segregated schools come to an end in JCC?
3. Battle of Greensprings. Summarize the Battle of Greensprings and its importance in the Revolutionary War. Include the position of Cornwallis, in contrast to the role of the Continental Army led by Marquis de Lafayette. Comment on why the battle occurred where it did in relation to Richmond, Williamsburg, Yorktown and the Virginia peninsula.

Award winners will be notified by Friday, May 30 and be invited to a public meeting of the JCC Board of Supervisors for an award presentation (date to be determined).

For additional information and to submit essay, visit the JCC webpage.