Cheek 1

Taylor Cheek
Mrs. Raymond
28 January 2015
1102 Writing and Inquiry in Academic Contexts II

It All Started in Tazewell, Virginia

My great-great grandmother Mary was born and raised in Tazewell, Virginia. She had
one boy and one girl in Tazewell by my great-great grandfather Russell. Russell was working in
the coal mine in Virginia when he first started, but then he was offered a job in Chatham County
which is in North Carolina. He migrated to Chatham County to finish his job. Mary and the rest
of his family also moved to Chatham County.
Tazewell, Virginia is located in Tazewell County. This county was created by Thomas
Witten and John Greenup in 1769. Tazewell County was made up of Russell and Wythe
counties. This creation was done by the General Assembly of Virginia. In 1773, the Town of
Tazewell was established by William Perry and Samuel Ferguson. By 1801, Jeffersonville came
about and this was historical because it was named after Thomas Jefferson. This is also
significant because Thomas Jefferson was sworn into office in 1801. Eventually the town of
Jeffersonville was renamed Tazewell in 1892 (Mullins).
My family originated from Tazewell, Virginia however, my family is still from the
United States. Our flag is the American Flag, which consists of horizontal stripes that are red and
white. The white stripes symbolize purity and innocence. The red stripes portray hardiness and
valour. The flag also contains fifty, white stars to represent the 50 states. The background of the

Cheek 2
stars is blue and it stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice (What Do The). Research has
shown Francis Hopkinson to be the designer of the American Flag, but some people predict
Betsy Ross made it (Evolution Of The).
Along with the importance of the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance is also significant in the
United States. In 1942, Congress identified the Pledge of Allegiance. Also in 1942, the Supreme
Court decided that school could not make the students stand up and say the pledge. Studies have
shown about half of the state influence students to say the Pledge of Allegiance. By 1954, under
God was added to the pledge (The Original Pledge). These words became very controversial
because religion was now involved, which went against some student beliefs.
The United States is made up of tremendous influential people. For instance, Thomas
Jefferson was significant because he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He helped
Americans gain their rights and freedom. Another important person was George Washington
because he became the first president of the United States in 1789. Also, James Madison was
influential to this country because he is the founder of the constitution as well as the Bill of
Rights. Among those important, was also Margret Fuller. She led the pathway to womens rights
and became the first woman editor of New York Tribune in 1844 (Margaret Fuller Bio).

Cheek 3
Works Cited

"Margaret Fuller." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, 2015. Web. 27 Jan. 2015.
Mullins, Terry W., Dr. "Town of Tazewell." Town of Tazewell. Tazewell Cou0nty Historical
Society, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.
Streufert, Duane. "USFlag.org: A Website Dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America
Evolution of the United States Flag." USFlag.org: A Website Dedicated to the Flag of the
United States of America - Evolution of the United States Flag. N.p., 20 Nov. 1994. Web.
24 Jan. 2015.
---"USFlag.org: A Website Dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America The Original
Pledge of Allegiance." USFlag.org: A Website Dedicated to the Flag of the United States
of America - The Original Pledge of Allegiance. N.p., 20 Nov. 1994. Web. 27 Jan. 2015.
--- "USFlag.org: A Website Dedicated to the Flag of the United States of America What Do the
Colors of the Flag Mean?" USFlag.org: A Website Dedicated to the Flag of the United
States of America - What Do the Colors of the Flag Mean? N.p., 20 Nov. 1994. Web. 26
Jan. 2015
.