Resolves & Conventions
In 1774, Virginia's revolutionary county committees began issuing "resolutions" and "resolves" that often proclaimed conditional loyalty to the King, fury with Parliament, and asserted the rights that belonged to them as Virginians, citizens of the British Empire, and human beings. More concretely, they pledged to enforce the Virginia Association, the colony's boycott of British goods. A second round of resolutions followed the Continental Association in 1775. The Fincastle Resolutions and the Fort Gower Resolves, both written in the woods of the far west, were particularly eloquent and uncompromising. Then, in 1776, Virginia and Congress both declared Independence.
“The Summer of Discontent” (Jim Bish, RV) - An in-depth look at the resolves and resolutions of 1774.
“The Dunmore and Frederick Resolves” (Gabe Neville, 8th Virginia)
“The Fort Gower Resolves” (Gabe Neville, ABT)
"Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwestern Virginia" (Blue Ridge PBS) An hour-long documentary on the importance of the Fincastle Resolutions of 1775.
“The Fincastle Resolutions," (Jim Glanville, Smithfield Review). The sentiments of Virginia in 1774 and 1775 are best understood from the various resolves and resolutions written by county committees of safety. Despite its title, Glanville's essay surveys all of the surviving country resolutions.
“How a Now-Defunct County in Southwest Virginia Became the First to Declare its Willingness to Fight Britain" (Randy Walker, Cardinal News) - The story behind the strongly-worded Fincastle Resolutions of January, 1775.
"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 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.
