This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Richm ond Theater Fire Hero Gilbert Hunt
The 1811 Richmond Theater blaze killed Gov. George William Smith and 71 others while highlighting the daring rescue by slave Gilbert Hunt. Hunt freed himself later and became a famed local hero, later aiding in 1821 prison rescues and earning freedom to migrate to Liberia.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richmond
Virginia
George William Smith
Smith
George Mayo
Gilbert Hunt
Louisa
State Penitentiary
Hunt
Liberia