About

Join us for a noon talk with historian Dr. Kathleen DuVal on her book, "Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution." While citizens of the 13 rebelling colonies came to blows with the British Empire over tariffs and parliamentary representation, the situation on the rest of the American continent was equally complicated. In the Gulf of Mexico, Spanish forces clashed with Britain’s strained army to carve up the Gulf Coast, as both sides competed for allegiances with Chickasaw, Choctaw and Creek nations who inhabited the region. Meanwhile, African American slaves were finding opportunities to expand their freedoms.

DuVal reveals that an individual’s motives were as important in their allegiance to the Revolution as the ideals of liberty and freedom the Founders espoused - independence held personal as well as national meaning. The choices of individuals outside the colonies became crucial to the war’s outcome.

DuVal is a professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she teaches early American and American Indian history. Her works also include "Native Nations: A Millennium in North America," which won a Pulitzer Prize in 2025.

A book signing will follow the program. This event is part of the Library’s programming commemorating Virginia's role in the 250th anniversary of American independence.

This event is free, but registration is required. Limited parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street. Seating in our Lecture Hall is first come, first served. For more information, contact education@lva.virginia.gov