Resolves & Conventions

Two years before the Declaration of Independence, Virginia's revolutionary county committees began issuing "resolutions" and "resolves" that often proclaimed conditional loyalty to the King, fury with Parliament, and the rights that belonged to them as Virginians, citizens of the British Empire, and human beings. The Fincastle Resolutions and the Fort Gower Resolves, both written in the woods of the far west, were particularly eloquent, compelling, and uncompromising.

“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)

​“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.