Prior to 1908 executions in the Commonwealth of Virginia were carried out by localities, in localities. In 1908 the General Assembly transferred that authority from localities to the Commonwealth of Virginia and centralized executions at the Virginia State Penitentiary in Richmond. My post did not claim Virginia Christian was the first woman executed IN Virginia; I stated that she was the first person executed BY the Commonwealth of Virginia. ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html