In this episode of How We Got Here, the newly uncovered tale of a 16-year-old heroine from Hopewell, Virginia, who rode through the night to expose a British plot to crush the American rebellion. Also, the Commonwealth’s dug-in defiance over a landmark court decision to integrate public schools. Why the Kennedy Administration apologized for getting the first celebration of a national holiday all wrong. And - get ready to dust up on 10th grade American History - we go old-school with the Monroe Doctrine. And finally, in their own words - the heroes of Pearl Harbor recount that horrific day that catapulted the United States into the hell of World War 2.

In this episode of How We Got Here, we relive the fiery death of the oldest electric streetcar system in America. We also introduce you to a slave-turned-spy-turned-folk hero who had to fight for his own freedom after American independence. And, as you start to think about Thanksgiving this year – we’ve got the low down on how it all began (in Virginia…sorry Massachusetts). Plus, we’ll explore how it became illegal in Virginia to duel to the death – and the politician who skirted the law to kill a member of his family! And finally, an army of rebels topples the mightiest power in the world at Yorktown.

In this episode of How We Got Here, how one of the greatest speeches in American history - The Gettysburg Address - was barely a footnote in newspapers up and down the coast. Also, President John F. Kennedy and his family built a home in Virginia - only to enjoy it for three weekends before his assassination. And we delve into a 400-year-old Thanksgiving tradition that started in the commonwealth and continues to this day on the Governor’s driveway.  The famed Richmond woman who helped usher in a new era of Southern literature - with a little ghost story mixed in. And why the Confederacy chose Richmond as its capitol – so close to the Union stronghold of Washington, D.C.

Season 2 launches on Monday, Nov. 18. How We Got Here, presented by NBC12 in Richmond, Virginia, is a podcast highlighting Virginia’s rich history, one week at a time.

In this bonus episode of How We Got Here, we go behind the scenes with Digital Director Kate Albright and Executive Producer Colten Weekley to tell you how we got to this idea, and what it takes to put each episode together. You’ll hear about some of our favorite guests and which segments really surprised us. Stick around for the end of the episode for exciting news about the future of How We Got Here.

In this episode of How We Got Here: Richmond’s role in the domestic slave trade, brought to light by the uncovering of a slave burial ground. Three men killed in a tank in World War II are finally honored 75 years later. How the river city remembered the longest serving Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Marshall. And we’re serving up a segment on the incredible life and legacy of tennis great and Richmond-native, Arthur Ashe.

In this episode of How We Got Here: Happy Birthday America! It’s also the anniversary for the deaths of several presidents. We show you how Virginia got its name and bring you the mythology behind the woman bearing her breast on the state seal. We hear from the “proud spirited ladies” left behind during the Civil War – plus the conclusion of the seven days’ battles.

In this episode of How We Got Here: The derecho that devastated Central Virginia, and Aaron Burr’s ties to Richmond that saved his life. A tap dancing legend breaks racial barriers, and how the Seven Days’ Battles changed the landscape of the Civil War. Plus, Elvis’ escapades in Virginia, and his last show in the river city.

In this episode of How We Got Here: The devastating path of Hurricane Agnes that paralyzed Richmond, and Virginia’s ties to the bungling burglars of Watergate. Find out how Captain John Smith got “Disney’ed,” and how country music was born out of the mountain music of southwest Virginia – with a chaser of Johnny Cash.  

In this episode of How We Got Here, we explain how the Civil War's Siege of Petersburg could have lasted two days instead of nine months and why Virginia played such a big role in shaping the Declaration of Independence. We also share a “loving” story that changed marriage laws across the country, plus the horrifying moments as lawmakers, practicing America’s pastime, take cover when a gunman opens fire on a baseball field.