No American legal mind has had a greater impact on our judicial system than John Marshall. The Fauquier County native served as Chief Justice for more than 30 years, shaping the very nature of the Supreme Court and its role in government. To commemorate the bicentennial of the landmark case McCulloch v. Maryland, the Mosby Heritage Area Association is hosting a number of events throughout 2019 to celebrate John Marshall's life and legacy.

John Marshall was born in 1755 in a small log cabin near modern day Midland, Virginia. As a young man he served in the Continental Army through many battles and the winter at Valley Forge. He returned to Virginia to study law at the College of William and Mary. Following the Revolution, he represented Fauquier County in the Virginia Assembly and served in the US House of Representatives and as Secretary of State. His most important legacy, however, was in his role as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Appointed in 1801 by John Adams, Marshall spent over three decades in the court, where he shaped the power of the Judiciary branch. Many of the best known and far reaching cases in American history were products of the Marshall court. Marbury v. Madison established the precedent of judicial review, while McCulloch v. Maryland introduced the concept of Congress holding implied powers not expressly presented in the Constitution. These decisions remain central to the Supreme Court and continue to influence law to this day.

Events:
Saturday March 23: John Marshall's Richmond: A Bus Tour— Follow in the footsteps of the great Chief Justice as we explore Richmond's historical sites. Highlights of the tour include a guided tour of the Virginia State Capitol, guided tour of the John Marshall House, a visit to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture to enjoy the new exhibit John Marshall, and lunch at the Commonwealth Club.

Saturday April 6: The Life and Legacy of John Marshall: A Symposium— MHAA has invited scholars to present on every aspect of Marshall's life and career, from his legal legacy to his personal life and business connections. The symposium will be held at historic Llangollen Farm, located on property once owned by the Marshall Family.

Fall 2019 Date TBD: The Marshalls and the Fauquier Free State – Although best remembered today for being a Chief Justice, John Marshall was a prominent landowner in Fauquier County. Learn how his role as a landlord put him at odds with many of his tenants. Driven off by high rents some tenants fled to the more rugged parts of Marshall's vast holdings and formed their own "free state" that retains its independent culture to this day.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit www.mosbyheritagearea.org/events or call (540) 687-5578