Nathaniel Bacon’s Rebellion Three Perspectives on the violence of 1676
Virginian Tinderbox NPS artist reconstruction: Jamestown, circa 1615
1674 Bacon Arrives Correct Bacon Spring 1674 Arrives from England, with family Allies with William Byrd II in competition with Gov. William Berkeley Spring 1675 appointed to VA Council of State Increasing violence with Indians on western borders Wrong Bacon We do not know what he actually looked like… Nathaniel Bacon (b. 1647, d. 1676) Unknown Brinkman illustrator, 1904 Nathaniel Bacon (b. 1585, d. 1627) English Artist, Etching from self portrait
Indian Perspectives “Penecute and Thomas Batts on the Bluestone River, 1671” Digital painting Isaac Emrick
Tidewater Perspectives Tobacco cultivation as practiced at Jamestown. (A conjectural painting by Sidney E. King.) Vice-Admiral Sir William Berkeley 1666, Sir Peter Lely
Backcountry Perspectives 18th century etching of Virginia family fighting Indians
Susquehannock Flight Herman Moll's A new map of the north parts of America claimed by France, 1720
Berkeley’s & Bacon’s Response Residents in western areas, apply for military aid against Indian attacks Bacon supports his neighbors, Berkeley denies request “ ‘Are not the Indians all of a Colour,’ asked the Baconites? The ‘Common cry’ was ‘awaye with these Forts, away with these distractions, wee will have war with all Indians … wee will spare none.’” Rice Tales from a Revolution 2012, 44
May 1676 Susquehannocks, Posseclay and Bacon
June 6 1676 Bacon’s Return Declaration of the people of Virginia 1. For having, upon specious pretenses of public works, raised great unjust taxes upon the commonalty for the advancement of private favorites and other sinister ends, but no visible effects in any measure adequate; for not having, during this long time of his government, in any measure advanced this hopeful colony either by fortifications, towns, or trade. 4. For having protected, favored, and emboldened the Indians against his Majesty’s loyal subjects, never contriving, requiring, or appointing any due or proper means of satisfaction for their many invasions, robberies, and murders committed upon us. Berkeley flees Bacon fires King decrees Bacon dies Commissioners blame both sides Berkeley dies
Repercussions in Virginia Seeds of Colonial Rebellion Virginia’s Shifting Economy East vs. West Rural vs. urban Socioeconomic divide Racial dichotomy
Repercussions in Virginia Discussion Board: Select ONE of the listed repercussions of Bacon’s Rebellion to evaluate the message of the posted map series.