Virginia and the Declaration
Thomas Jefferson rejected Parliament's authority in 1774, and Patrick Henry wanted Independence at least as early as 1775. Charles Lee said it was a prerequisite for a French alliance. Virginia declared it on May 12. Richard Henry Lee proposed it in Congress on June 7. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration that made it official. While others were quick to fight and throw tea in the water, Virginians thought carefully about the future and then led America to it.
"Journey to Independence: How Virginia Led the Way in 1776" (Colonial Williamsburg) - A new video explains Virginia's unique role in pushing for Independence, and the debate between Patrick Henry and Robert Carter Nicholas that forced careful consideration.
"The 250th Anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights" (Rob Orrison, ERW) - George Mason's Virginia Declaration was the most immediate template for Jefferson's Philadelphia Declaration a month later and an event every Virginian should celebrate.
"Virginia Declares Independence" (Gabriel Neville, 8th Virginia) The Virginia Declaration of Rights was one of the most important events in world history. It was a template for the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and much more.
"The 250 Anniversary of the Lee Resolution" (Kevin Pawlak, ERW) - As directed by Virginia's General Assembly, Richard Henry Lee offered a resolution in Congress asserting the independence of the colonies from Britain on June 7, 1776.
New & Notable
"The Tobacco Raid of 1779" (Marc Drolet, JAR) - Often called the Collier-Mathew Raid or the Chesapeake Road, this was the moment Virginia started to wake up after three years of quiet on its own soil.
"William 'Billy' Flora: Revolutionary Service Beyond Great Bridge" (Patrick Hannum, JAR) - The rest of his story proves that Billy Flora did more than fire the first shots in Virginia's first real battle of the Revolution--he was a patriot of the first order.
"The 250th Anniversary of the Virginia Declaration of Rights" (Rob Orrison, ERW) - George Mason's Virginia Declaration was the most immediate template for Jefferson's Philadelphia Declaration a month later and an event every Virginian should celebrate.
"The 250 Anniversary of the Lee Resolution" (Kevin Pawlak, ERW) - As directed by Virginia's General Assembly, Richard Henry Lee offered a resolution in Congress asserting the independence of the colonies from Britain on June 7, 1776.
