The what? Semiquincentennial is a fancy word for 250, and it’s an early alert to get ready for our nation’s 250th birthday anniversary in 2026. Bicentennial was a much easier word for those of us old enough to remember the nationwide celebration in 1976.

Already, the nation, the state and localities are starting to plan. Mathews County has a 250th committee. Gloucester County is about to organize. The state has a committee in place, and Cheryl Wilson of Gloucester is its executive director.

Both counties are on approximately the same track that they followed for the local Bicentennial celebrations they organized in 1976. That was a glorious observance, capped off five years later by the Bicentennial of the British surrender at Yorktown that secured our freedom.

Exciting days lie ahead.

Expect to see the local committees work to draw in all segments of our communities. Expect to see them reach out to every corner. And certainly, expect them to emphasize the very important events in the American Revolution that took place in our territory, even though in 1776, it was all Gloucester County, Mathews not being formed until 1791.

Two battles at either end of the Revolutionary War were key in forming the nation.

The Battle of Gwynn’s Island took place in July 1776. The final royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, took refuge on the island and its waters and boasted he would make short work of the American “crickets” gathered on the mainland. He did not. Instead, badly battered, he fled the island and left Virginia forever.

The Battle of the Hook in the final days in 1781, was fought in the section now known as Hayes. There American and French troops defeated Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton’s British Legion and a detachment of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The legion could not relieve the British forces besieged at Yorktown, and this helped to ensure the decisive victory.

Our counties are part of the deep, long, rich and significant history of Virginia, all the way back to the early colonial days. Much is known, and much remains to be known. Archaeologists are always finding new truths in the soil, and researchers are unearthing previously unread, significant ancient documents in the archives. We grow with greater knowledge of our history.

Exciting days lie ahead as Gloucester and Mathews prepare for the semiquincentennial. We look forward to the great celebration.