If you were able to be transported back in time to the town of Dumfries, Virginia in April of 1776, conversations you would hear among the citizens would have included talk on both sides of the argument of independence from British rule.
British forces evacuated Boston, Mass. on March 17, 1776, and Thomas Paine’s recently published work Common Sense had patriotism and ideas of independence elevated among the colonists. The British Royal Governor, Lord John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, and the Loyalist forces were conducting raids along the Virginia coastal and river ports in retaliation for protests and citizen support of revolution.
The port of Norfolk was destroyed by fire on January 1, 1776. The possibility of destruction in this town would weigh heavy on the minds of all Prince William County residents regardless of which side of the argument of independence one stood.
As a result of the burning of Norfolk action, the 3rd Virginia Regiment was raised between December of 1775 and February 1776 in Alexandria and Dumfries, as citizen volunteers from Prince William, Fauquier, Stafford, Louisa, Fairfax, King George, Loudoun and Culpeper Counties answered the call.
Their primary mission was to establish a military presence to oppose Dunmore’s Loyalists in the event of armed conflict at either of these critical port towns. Hugh Mercer and George Weedon were made Colonel and Lt. Colonel respectively and tasked with the formation of the regiment.
Many of the men who volunteered to fight in this regiment reads like the Who’s Who of the American Revolution. The list included Thomas Marshall, father of future Supreme Court Justice John Marshall; William Washington, a distant cousin to George Washington, and 18 year old James Monroe who became the fifth President of the United States(1817-1825).
The Virginia Convention was meeting in Williamsburg to begin debating independence. The two representatives from this community were Henry Lee II of Leesylvania, and Richard Blackburn of Rippon Lodge. The Convention was one month away from instructing Richard Lee to propose independence to the Continental Congress in May, 1776.
That time machine ride would put you right in the thick of things, as the colonies moved rapidly toward war that would ultimately lead to the formation of our country. But there is no such time machine, therefore Prince William County’s Historic Preservation Division, in cooperation with the Weems-Botts Museum, will present the next best thing.
On April 2, 2016 the Dumfries Revolutionary War Weekend will be held at Williams Ordinary and the Weems-Botts Museum. Living Historians will be camped on the lawn of the Ordinary representing the citizen soldiers of the 3rd Virginia Regiment, while a medical demonstration will be offered at Weems-Botts. Music and games appropriate to the 18th century will be offered as well. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Historic Preservation Division will host Tavern Night 1776 Saturday evening at the Williams Ordinary.. This fee-based program for persons 21 and older is designed to give you the ultimate immersion experience.
Come enjoy 18th century inspired beer made locally by BadWolf Brewing, and then learn a popular card, dice, or board game. Be careful who you choose to sit beside, as there might be Loyalists about the tavern.
You might be able to hear the latest news on the activity of the Virginia Convention from Henry Lee II or Richard Blackburn directly. Parking for this event will be at the Dumfries Town Hall with Shuttle Bus service to and from Williams Ordinary. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703-792-4754.
The cost is $35.00 per person ages 21 and older only. Williams Ordinary is located at 17674 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026. Check us out online at pwcgov.org/history, on Facebook at facebook.com/pwhistoric, or on Twitter at @PWHPF.
Weems-Botts Museum is located at 3944 Cameron Street, Dumfries, VA 22026. For more information on their activities during the Revolutionary War Weekend email [email protected], visit historicdumfries.com, or call 703-221-2218.
This promoted post is sponsored by Prince William County Historic Preservation Division.
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