2026 is a pivotal year and marks America’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Take a look at some of our favorite primary source documents from the collections at the Library of Virginia to help teach students about the American Revolution. Select a document to learn more and find associated Social Studies Standards of Learning.
Document Bank of Virginia
Yorktown Tea Party, 1774
In November 1774 Yorktown residents boarded a British ship and dumped two half-chests of tea into the York River. Read all about the Yorktown tea party the Virginia Gazette.
Give me Liberty or Give me Death, 1775
Patrick Henry’s dramatic “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech helped to chart Virginia’s revolutionary course. Learn how these words to become ingrained in American history.
Proclamation Against Patrick Henry, 1775
Virginia’s most outspoken revolutionary called the king a tyrant and challenged the authority of Virginia’s governor. Read his 1776 proclamation declaring Patrick Henry an outlaw.
Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, 1775
As tensions between the colony and Great Britain increased, Virginia’s governor offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for the king. Read his November 1775 proclamation.
Battle of Great Bridge, 1775
Virginians defeated British forces at the Battle of Great Bridge in December 1775. Read Col. William Woodford’s letter to colonial leaders that described the battle as he witnessed it.
House of Burgesses, Final Meeting, 1776
Even after the royal governor dissolved the House of Burgesses, that legislative body continued to meet. Read how the burgesses “let that body die” on May 6, 1776.
Virginia Declaration of Rights, 1776
In June 1776, Virginia was the first state to authorize a declaration of the fundamental human liberties that government was to protect. Read a draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights in George Mason’s hand.
Virginia Constitution, 1776
On June 29, 1776, Virginia adopted a new constitution, which created a bicameral legislature, a weak executive position, and a judiciary branch. Read the clerk’s handwritten copy of the Virginia Constitution.
Declaration of Independence, 1776
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress ratified the text of the Declaration of Independence. Read one of our foundational documents, chiefly written by Thomas Jefferson.
Mary Webley’s Petition, 1776
Mary Webley’s home was destroyed during the British bombardment of Norfolk in 1776. Read her successful petition to the General Assembly for compensation.
Act to Remove Seat of Government, 1779
During the Revolution, the General Assembly wanted to move the capital further inland, away from the coast and closer to the growing population. Read the act approved in 1779.
Militia Attacks Against Indians, 1781
In the Appalachian mountains, battles raged between the American militia and Indigenous nations. Read Col. Campbell’s letter about some of these actions.
Map of the Siege at Yorktown, 1781
The surprising American success at Yorktown hinged on French political and military support. This map shows how French and American forces trapped the British troops.
Act Freeing Enslaved Men Who Served as Soldiers, 1783
Thousands of enslaved men fought for American liberty during the Revolution. Read this Virginia act that intended to free some of them.
Abraham Skipwith’s Petition, 1785
Abraham Skipwith sought his freedom after the Revolution. Read his unsuccessful petition to be freed and learn more about this early Richmond landowner.
Act to Establish Religious Freedom, 1786
The act establishing religious freedom is one of the most important bills adopted by Virginia’s government. Find out how it influenced the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution.
James Lafayette’s Petition, 1786
Despite serving as a spy for the patriot cause, James Lafayette was forced to return to slavery after the Revolution. Read his petition for freedom.
Anna Maria Lane’s Pension, 1808
Anna Lane is the only documented female veteran of the Revolutionary War to live in Virginia. Read how she was awarded a state pension.
George Washington, Statue, 1788
Virginia honored George Washington with a marble statue in the state capitol. Learn why it depicts Washington as a common citizen standing in front of a farmer’s plow as well as a soldier.
Thomas Jefferson, Portrait, 1827
Thomas Jefferson wanted to be remembered for writing the Declaration of Independence and the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom. Learn more about our third president.
Shaping the Constitution
Find more information and primary sources about America’s founding era from the Library of Virginia and the Library of Congress in Shaping the Constitution. This educational resource for teachers and students explores the beginnings of the U.S. government and Virginia’s connections to those events, as well as amendments to the original document that have continued to change the course of our national history
VA250
Find more resources to educate, engage, and inspire Virginia students about American history, values, and beliefs. VA250 was established by the General Assembly in 2020, and serves to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the Independence of the United States in the Commonwealth of Virginia.