According to the Phi, W&L further commemorated the Bicentennial by commissioning the reproduction of 18th century porcelain items from the university’s Reeves Collection, including an “Arms of Liberty” bowl dating back to 1775.
National Recognition
W&L, which is one of the nation’s oldest colleges, also received national attention in the years leading up to 1976.
In October 1973, the university’s front campus became a National Historic Landmark. Virginia Gov. Linwood Holton, a W&L alum, spoke at the event.
W&L also received recognition from American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, which declared it a Bicentennial College Campus in April 1975. But this designation was far from unique — the ARBA reported that it recognized 929 total colleges and universities.
The Performing Arts
The drama department at W&L also contributed to the Bicentennial celebration with a production of the Sherman Edwards’ musical “1776.”
The show, which was directed by Al Gordon and performed in March 1976, was based on the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Students sang and acted before “sold-out crowds” in Evans Dining Hall, according to article in W&L’s alumni magazine.
W&L’s ROTC band also got in on the action. They dressed in Revolutionary garb — and sunglasses — to perform at Courthouse Square in April 1976 to honor the 201st anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, Massachusetts.
A 200-Year Rivalry
At VMI, the Americans battled the British once again — this time in a polo match.
VMI’s parade ground played host to one of the 10 matches on the British Army Polo Team’s American tour, which was planned in honor the U.S. Bicentennial. The British team faced off against Charlottesville’s Farmington Hunt and Polo Club in September 1976.
The VMI Cadet, the college’s student newspaper, described the match as “a mesmerizing contest of gradually increasing excitement.”
But in the end, Revolutionary history repeated itself. The Virginians topped the British 10-6.
Bicentennial Caravan
VMI also played host to the U.S. Armed Forces Bicentennial Exhibits Caravan, which featured exhibits on the history of the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.
Each of the four branches had its own trailer at the event. The Army, Marine Corps and Navy trailers featured walk-through exhibits, while the Air Force screened an internationally acclaimed multi-media documentary.
The caravan’s visit was part of a larger weekend of festivities on the VMI parade ground in October 1976. The event included local artists showing off their creations and demonstrations of skydiving, rappelling and more.
“The caravan was the highlight of three days filled with special activities,” according to VMI’s Institute Report.
