Marshall Moments: How a Research Dive Became a Tiny Blog

Marshall Moments: How a Research Dive Became a Tiny Blog

Jun 24, 2026

I've been thinking about Chief Justice John Marshall a lot.

A few weeks ago I was researching Chief Justice John Marshall. The reason for my deep dive: writing an article for Preservation Virginia's blog. The topic: John Marshall's Revolutionary roots.


If you've read this post, you've already been offered up some a-ha moments to John Marshall the man, not the guy in the formal portrait image wearing the black robes.


Preservation Virginia did something unique during this celebration of America's 250th; telling the story of John Marshall the Revolutionary soldier, new husband, and law student. Through the Soldier of Merit exhibit to be precise.


And in partnership with Preservation Virginia, I got to write for them. To share John Marshall's Revolutionary Roots with the world.


RELATED: Read my contributing article to Preservation Virginia's website, John Marshall's Revolutionary Roots, by clicking here.


Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.


My visit to the Soldier of Merit exhibit, May, 2026.


The research and rabbit holes.

First stop: Library of Virginia.

Headed to the John Marshall House on a sunny day in May, my mind was racing. I knew I'd be writing more on Marshall here on this blog. I headed straight to the Library of Virginia, basically around the corner from Marshall's home.


Ah, the Library of Virginia.

  • It's open to the public (with a parking deck underneath!).
  • It's free.
  • It's full of incredible books including The Papers of John Marshall- all the volumes.


I grabbed Volumes 1 & 2 off the shelf and discovered some pretty cool detail, including Marshall's first Oath of Office as a Virginia Delegate. Delegate to the House created after American Independence was declared. (I used it in my opening for the Preservation Virginia article- so if you haven't done it yet, open it in a new tab now!)


But also included at the front of Volume 1: a timeline of his career. This chronology gives insight into his military career, legal study under George Wythe of Williamsburg, and of course - his ascent to Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, appointed by President John Adams.


RELATED: If you want The Papers of John Marshall in your personal collection, click here.


Interior, Library of Virginia


Stop number two: The Rock.

Have I mentioned how much I love Colonial Williamsburg's John D. Rockefeller Library (aka 'the Rock' to locals)? It's my go-to research location. In terms of my John Marshall rabbit holes ... I made a special trip for two reasons.


1) Finding the Papers close to home. And I did! Of course the Rock has the treasured volumes on its shelves.


2) Looking for information on Ambler House on Jamestown Island. The ruins are there and I plan to visit!


Why my interest? Reading the words of Betsy Ambler, who is quoted in Ken Burns' American Revolution as well as on a panel in the Soldier of Merit exhibit led me there. She was Mary "Polly" Ambler Marshall's sister, making her John's sister-in-law.


I had to learn of any properties related to the Ambler family that were within reach.


Let's be honest, one of my favorite Thomas Jefferson 'stories' is of his failed marriage proposals to a young Rebecca Burwell. Rebecca married an Ambler and guess what: became Betsy and Polly's mom.


RELATED: Click here to read about Ambler House on the National Park Service's portion of Jamestown Island -- warning, the family tree and property info gets confusing!


Mary "Polly" Ambler Marshall Volume II, Library of Virginia.


Next up.

For me: continuing to learn about the Marshalls and diving into rabbit holes that pull me in.


This means: Exploring places- and the ExploreHere app will help! As well as taking a ride to Jamestown Island, visiting Yorktown (finding the house Polly and Betsy lived in as children?), heading back to Richmond to visit Shockoe Cemetery where John and Polly are buried and... more.


If you're inspired to see and learn more about John Marshall (and his family) here's a little checklist for you:


There it is- my "tiny" blog inspired by researching John Marshall! Before you go, check out my closing words from history and if you feel inspired, buy me a coffee!


Sign outside the John Marshall house, Richmond, Virginia.


Closing words from history.

One commission John Marshall declined was U.S. Attorney for Virginia, offered by President Washington. Click here to read the full letter, with notes and citations, on the Founders Archives.


John Marshall to George Washington, 14 October 1789




From John Marshall

Richmond October 14th 1789

Sir

Not having been in Richmond when your Excellencys letter arriv’d, enclosing me a commission as Attorney for the United States in the Virginia district, I coud not, sooner, acknowlege the receit of it.1

I thank you sir very sincerely for the honor which I feel is done me by an appointment flowing from your choice, & I beg leave to declare that it is with real regret I decline accepting an office which has to me been render’d highly valuable by the hand which bestow’d it.




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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.


1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.