News Flash

Author Tim Receveur will launch his book Old Soldiers, Saloons, and Community: The Unique History of Phoebus, Virginia with a talk and book signing as part of the Hampton History Museum’s Port Hampton Lecture Series on Monday, February 4, 7-8 pm.

Often referred to as “Little Chicago,” the Phoebus community of Hampton has an oversized story to tell.  It was home to the Kecoughtan Indians when the first English explorers landed on its shores on the way to Jamestown in 1607, and Phoebus would serve as the first Union Army camp in Virginia in the early days of the Civil War. Through the years, the town would host railroads, streetcars, U.S. Presidents and saloons "on every street corner and two in between."

Receveur’s generously illustrated book chronicles the unique story of Phoebus including its legendary drinking, fighting and rioting at the end of the 19th century, its home to the first community for freed slaves in the South, the election of two of the earliest African-American officials in the state of Virginia in 1901, it’s consolidation with the city of Hampton in 1952, and the establishment of much of the community as a historic district in 2006.

Highlighted is the neighborhood’s special 125-year relationship with its fire department and the economic revitalization currently underway, as a new wave of local businesses usher in the first great era of Phoebus in the 21st century.

Tim Receveur is a 9-year veteran of the Air Force and spent 13 years working in applied technology at the U.S. Department of State. He is currently a director at PeaceTech Lab, a non-profit organization in Washington, D.C. PeaceTech Lab explores ways to use technology to reduce violent conflict around the world. Tim now lives with his wife, April, in Phoebus. 

Admission is free to museum members and $5 for non-members. The book will be available in the museum gift shop for $17.99.

The Hampton History Museum is located at 120 Old Hampton Lane in Downtown Hampton. There is free parking in the garage across the street from the museum. For more information call 757-727-1102 or visit www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org.