Proclamation List- Phoebus, Virginia 125th Anniversary

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Phoebus, Virginia 125th Anniversary

WHEREAS, the quaint coastal community of Phoebus, Virginia, celebrates its 125th anniversary of incorporation in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the community now known as Phoebus traces its origins to the Native American Town of Kikotan (Kecoughtan), was later named Camp Hamilton, then subsequently renamed Chesapeake City, and was organized formally as the Town of Phoebus on April 2, 1900; and

WHEREAS, the town was named in honor of Harrison Phoebus, an entrepreneur and community leader whose efforts were instrumental in establishing Hampton Roads as a center of commerce, travel, and hospitality; and

WHEREAS, Phoebus has played a significant role in our Nation’s history, notably as the site where the 1861 Contraband Decision was announced, which advanced the fight for freedom during the Civil War and led to the creation of one of the first freed communities of color in the South; and

WHEREAS, Historic Downtown Phoebus is recognized as a Virginia Main Street district, is home to unique architecture, vibrant small businesses, an inextinguishable sense of community pride, and is proudly stewarded by the non-profit Phoebus Partnership; and

WHEREAS, the history, culture, and people of Phoebus, Virginia, strengthen the Spirit of Virginia, and all are encouraged to join in celebrating its rich legacy and bright future;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize the 125^TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHOEBUS, VIRGINIA, in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations