Article and Photos by Zachary Bettis, Communications and Marketing Specialist
O
n November 10, 1775, with the American Revolution underway, Hampden-Sydney College was founded. Less than a year later, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marked a turning point in the War of Independence, igniting a spirit of freedom that swept through the colonies—reaching even the remote campus of Hampden-Sydney College. In 1777, amid fears of a British invasion, students and faculty members responded to a call-to-arms by Virginia Governor and HampdenSydney Founding Trustee Patrick Henry. As part of the Prince Edward County Militia, the Hampden-Sidney Boys marched from Hampden-Sydney to Williamsburg, Virginia, ready to defend the fledgling nation. In early April 2025, as part of the College’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Hampden-Sydney community members retraced that historic path. In a three-day, relay-style march covering more than 75 miles, students, alumni, and faculty and staff members commemorated the College’s enduring commitment to good citizenship and freedom and brought to life the personal sacrifices and shared legacy of those early defenders, who undertook the original march 250 years ago.
24 THE RECORD | SUMMER 2025
I am incredibly grateful for t his experience. T hrough sweat, toil, and pain, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of what t hese men endured for our country’s liberty— and t he immense hardships t hey overcame to complete t his treacherous journey to W illiamsburg. I’m left wit h a profound sense of awe and humility at t he fact that t hey accomplished such a feat wit hout t he aid of modern comforts. T his has truly been a humbling experience— one I will cherish for t he rest of my life.” - Brandon Hyde ’25