Virginia’s Southside and Piedmont regions have produced some of the finest religious, educational and community leaders in the Old Dominion. Lewis Burwell was a founding father of the commonwealth who served in the House of Burgesses. John Ravenscroft was an early behemoth of regional religious thought known for his passionate promotion of the Episcopal Church and its teachings. The region’s history is rich beyond its leaders as well. From early mining operations to the formation of the Christianville Academy to the impact of the Civil War, Southside Virginia is not exempt from the commonwealth’s storied past. Join author, historian and local columnist John Caknipe as he compiles his most fascinating columns for the first time to regale readers with Southside Virginia’s historic heroes, overlooked history and more.