Drawing by Harriet Cowen

Bacon and his followers about to burn Jamestown

It was a time of strife, distrust and anger, forcing some Virginians to stand up and challenge Royal authority. These difficult times led many to rally around one individual, to take up arms and revolt against a perceived tyrant. No, this is not the American Revolution, but Bacon's Rebellion which occurred 100 years before our Declaration of Independence.

It was on September 19, 1676 that Nathaniel Bacon's forces drove loyalists under Governor William Berkeley out of Jamestown. Bacon's men proceeded to loot and burn the town, an event from which Jamestown would never fully recover. This was the climatic act of the rebellion, for soon Bacon would die of dysentery, and his forces dispersed.

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Living history charater protraying one of Bacon's rebels about to burn Jamestown

Some of the most important events of the rebellion happened at Jamestown, and the conflict itself destroyed most of the city. Bacon's Rebellion was one of the largest and most violent events in the colonies during the 17th century. It forever changed the political, economic, and social climate of Virginia.

Join with Colonial National Historical Park - Historic Jamestowne for the commemoration of the 332nd anniversary of Bacon's Rebellion.

On Saturday, September 20th 2008 at 7:00 p.m. the National Park Service will hold a night walk through the streets of Historic Jamestowne to commemorate this event. Stand before the ruins of the statehouse and the jail, as symbolic flames once again rise over the city.

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Living History performer portraying Elizabeth Bacon

During the day on Saturday, September 20, a living history interpreter protraying Mrs. Nathaniel Bacon, Sr. (cousin to the rebel) will lead walkng tours of the historic town site and will provide specific details about the rebellion from her point of view as a supporter of Governor Berkeley.

SCHEDULE OF BACON'S REBELLION SPECIAL PROGRAMS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2008
     10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. -  Living History interpreter portraying Mrs. Nathaniel Bacon, Sr.
     7:00 p.m. Start of Bacon's Rebellion Night Tour Meet on the Tercentennial Monument overlooking the James River.
     7:10 p.m. Entrance Gate Closes
     8:00 p.m. End of Bacon's Rebellion Night Tour

Join the Park Service at Historic Jamestowne on September 20th for a sense what 17th century life was like in Virginia during times of civil unrest.

During the day of this special event normal daily operating hours will be observed and interpretive tours will be offered as staffing permits. The entrance gate will open at 8:30 a.m. and the Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. The entrance gate will close at 4:30 p.m. and the Visitor Center at 5:00 p.m. The entrance gate will re-open at 6:15 p.m. through 7:10 p.m. on Saturday September 20 for the night tour.

Admission is $10.00 per adult, children 15 and under are free. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access, Jamestown Island Colonial National Park passes will be honored. Reservations are not required. Visitors are encouraged to bring good walking shoes, bug repellent and flashlights. For more information call Colonial National Historical Park at (757) 229-1733.