Browse Items (29 total)

Petitions to the General Assembly were the primary catalyst for legislation in the Commonwealth from 1776 until 1865. Public improvements, military claims, divorce, manumission of slaves, division of counties, incorporation of towns, religious…

In 1806, the General Assembly placed restrictions on emancipation and required that once an enslaved Virginian was freed, he or she was required to leave the state within one year's time or Those who remained in the Commonwealth more than a year…

In 1806, the General Assembly placed restrictions on emancipation and required that once an enslaved Virginian was freed, he or she was required to leave the state within one year's time or Those who remained in the Commonwealth more than a year…

James (Armistead) Lafeyette was born into enslavement around 1760. He lived most of his life on a plantation owned by William Armistead in New Kent County. In documents related to James Lafayette, he does not sign his name nor is he identified as…

John Murray, fourth earl of Dunmore, was the last royal governor of Virginia. Briefly governor of New York in 1770–1771, he assumed a new role as governor of Virginia in 1771. He won the support of Virginians during the conflict known as Lord…

A bookplate is a small-sized, decorative label that is adhered to the inside front cover of a book. They are used to identify the owner of a book for personal use or for use in a library. Bookplates are designed to reflect a person’s interests or to…

A bookplate is a small-sized, decorative label that is adhered to the inside front cover of a book. They are used to identify the owner of a book for personal use or for use in a library. Bookplates are designed to reflect a person’s interests or to…

Women played many roles during the American Revolution, but only a few are known to have disguised themselved as men and participated in battle. The penalties for being discovered could be severe. Women who fought in the army tried hard to keep their…

After the Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775, Lord Dunmore and his fleet abandoned the city of Norfolk. Patriot soldiers from North Carolina and Virginia took control of the city. They refused to provide food and supplies to the British…

Virginia's General Assembly first met in July–August 1619. At that time twenty-two burgesses representing eleven settlements assembled in Jamestown with the royal governor and his councilors, or advisors. They approved legislation related to tobacco…