About this series
This past spring two important events took place: First, America observed the 400th anniversary of its founding at the Jamestown settlement in Tidewater Virginia. Around the same time civil-rights legend and noted Richmonder Oliver Hill celebrated his 100th birthday -- having lived through a full quarter of the history of this nation and of this commonwealth.

The convergence of these two happenings gave life to the series of commentary columns we will publish through the month of December. In 1607, English settlers landed in the New World and began an experiment that we still call Virginia. And while place has been an important part of the story, it is the people who were born here, who lived here, or who shaped the commonwealth's development -- the Virginians -- who have helped to change the course of history.

With that in mind, an interesting question arose during conversations among the members of The Richmond Times-Dispatch's editorial staff and our friends at the Library of Virginia: Of all the towering figures who have called this state home, who are the greatest Virginians?

Your opinion
What do you think of the results? Share your thoughts about great Virginians and tell us who you think should be on, or off, the list.