When compared to the ancient histories of places like Italy, France, or China, the United States of America seems a baby in comparison. Our nation turns 242 this year, but it was first settled more than 100 years prior to that.
Learn about some of the first settlers to inhabit American mainland by making plans to attend this upcoming lecture.
Lecture on the Women & Children of Jamestown
Author and historian Connie Lapallo will hold a lecture on Thursday, March 1, 2018, centering around the untold history of Jamestown. The lecture will take place at 10 a.m. at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theater.
During the lecture, entitled “Unsung Heroines: The Women and Children of Jamestown: Hurricane at Sea and Starving Time,” guests will learn about the untold tale of Jamestown’s first women and children. The talk is based on Lapallo’s first novel, “Dark Enough to See the Stars in a Jamestown Sky.” It explores the question of why so many women and children – nearly 100 – sailed for Jamestown in 1609. Lapallo will delve into what life was like aboard the months-long journey at sea. Let her take you through time as you envision the hurricanes, hunger, and strife that encompassed their tumultuous yet courageous trip to the New World.
About the Speaker
In addition to being an avid speaker and lecturer, Lapallo is a renowned author. She began with her first novel, the focus of Thursday’s lecture, and continued with two more: “The Sun is But a Morning Star” and “When the Moon Has No More Silver.”
A Little History Lesson
While you’ll undoubtedly learn plenty at this week’s lecture, here’s a piece of American etymological history to get you started.
It’s a well-known fact that Christopher Columbus is considered the first major explorer of the Americas. So, why isn’t the continent called Columbia?
As it turns out, the name comes from a cartographer’s preference. Nearly 100 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, a man named Amerigo Vespucci explored the American continents. Afterward, he wrote about it in books that were published all throughout Europe. Unlike Columbus, Vespucci believed the Americas to be an entirely new continent, while Columbus thought he had discovered another route to Asia.
It was in the early 16th century that cartographer Martin Waldseemüller set out to create one of the most accurate maps of the time. Having read Vespucci’s travels, Waldseemüller ascribed the name “America” to the New World. The term comes from a Latinized version of Vespucci’s first name, and since all countries on his map were feminine, Waldseemüller added the “a” to the end.
Volvo Cars Fredericksburg
In a town rich with its own history, it’s fascinating to learn more about the place we call home. At Volvo Cars Fredericksburg, we’re proud to be a part of the Virginia community. Visit us soon to test drive our new and pre-owned vehicles.
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