The First District Helped to Shape our Young Nation

Message from Rob Wittman:

Virginia’s First District is not only a place of new beginnings—it is also where the ideals of liberty, self-government, and hope took root.

On October 19, 1781, under the leadership of General George Washington, American and allied forces secured victory over the British Army at the Battle of Yorktown. General Cornwallis’ surrender effectively ended major military operations in the Revolutionary War and paved the way for the Treaty of Paris, which formally recognized the United States as an independent nation. In the years that followed, our Founders established the Constitution and created the framework of the Republic we cherish today. Yorktown remains a powerful reminder of what Americans can accomplish through courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. It is an honor to represent this historic community, where the promise of American independence became a reality.

Virginia is home to many of the most significant landmarks in our nation’s history, but its greatest contribution is perhaps the leaders it produced. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe were all Virginians whose vision, leadership, and devotion to liberty helped shape our nation. Their experiences in the Commonwealth profoundly influenced the principles upon which the United States was founded.

As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, I hope we will reflect on Virginia’s extraordinary role in our nation’s history and renew our commitment to preserving the freedoms entrusted to us. From the first settlement at Jamestown to the victory at Yorktown, Virginia has helped shape the American story. As we celebrate our past, let us also look confidently toward the future, committed to ensuring that the blessings of liberty, opportunity, and self-government endure for generations to come.

It is a privilege to represent Virginia’s First District, and I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Rob Wittman

Member of Congress, Virginia’s 1st District