A United Front: The First Continental Congress

They wanted to make things right with the empire. They also wanted to protect their rights.

In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech, along with expert John Ragosta, explores the First Continental Congress of 1774 and the significant contributions of Virginia. 

This episode discusses the early resistance efforts in Virginia, the formation and impact of Committees of Correspondence, and the subsequent unity among the colonies. Key figures such as Patrick Henry, Peyton Randolph, and George Washington are highlighted, as well as the major decisions made during the Congress, including the Suffolk Resolves and the Continental Association.  

Featured Guest

Dr. John Ragosta, Fellow, Virginia Humanities 

• John Ragosta, previously the acting director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, is a fellow at Virginia Humanities. He has taught law and history at the University of Virginia, George Washington University, and Hamilton, Oberlin, and Randolph Colleges. Dr. Ragosta’s most recent book – For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle – was released in August of 2023 by the University of Virginia Press. He is also the author of Religious Freedom: Jefferson’s Legacy, America’s Creed (UVA Press, 2013), Wellspring of Liberty (Oxford 2010), and other works. An award-winning author and frequent commentator, Ragosta holds both a PhD and a JD from the University of Virginia. Before returning to academia, Dr. Ragosta was a partner at Dewey Ballantine LLP. He is also a beekeeper. 

Show Notes: 

•  00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 
• 00:41 Setting the Stage: Virginia's Role in Early Resistance 
• 02:39 The Path to Unity: From Local Grievances to Continental Congress 
• 04:45 The First Continental Congress: A Historic Gathering 
• 08:34 Virginia's Influence and Key Figures 
• 16:17 Debates and Decisions: Defining Colonial Rights 
• 21:27 The Continental Association: Economic Strategy and Enforcement 
• 30:49 Looking Ahead: The Road to Revolution 
• 33:28 Conclusion 

Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2025 Virginia Museum of History & Culture