-
The Beginning
Sir William Berkeley replaces Sir Francis Wyatt as Governor of Virginia in 1641. Sir William Berkeley was governor of the colony of Virginia from 1641–1652.
Link text -
Powhatan Wars Treaty Signed
The Powhatan chief, Necotowance, signed the 1646 Peace Treaty ending the Powhatan Wars . The result of the treaty was a boundary, or racial frontier, between the Indians and English lands that could only be crossed for official business with a special pass. -
Nathaniel Bacon becomes a member of Virginia Council of State
Nathaniel Bacon, a wealthy, aristocratic Englishman arrives, with his wife at the Virginia Colony and purchases the Curles Neck tobacco Plantation. Nathaniel Bacon trades with local Indians in competition with Sir William Berkeley. There is fierce rivalry between the two men, but Sir William Berkeley appoints the wealthy and influential Nathaniel Bacon as one of several new members of the Virginia Council of State. -
Yeoman farmers demand Indians be removed from land
Farmers demanded that Powhatan Indians are removed from their treaty-protected lands. The resentment of the Indians leads to a series of conflicts with the Doeg tribe. 14 friendly Susquehannock indians, who are loyal to the English, are killed. -
Bacon's Rebellion Begins
Many colonists also believed that Berkeley was failing to defend the frontier against attacks by Native Indians. Nathaniel Bacon, as the leader of militiamen in the upper reaches of the James River valley, goes against the governor's instructions and prepares to attack friendly Indians. Nathaniel Bacon leads two unauthorized, but successful, expeditions against the tribes -
The End
Nathaniel Bacon and a company of armed men arrive in Jamestown, where Bacon is seized by armed agents and taken before Governor Sir William Berkeley and the General Assembly. Bacon apologizes on bended knee for his rebellion.
Link text
