The Unfolding Rebellion: The Governor’s Counsel

The Unfolding Rebellion: The Governor’s Counsel

The Unfolding Rebellion is a multi-part series that tells the story of Bacon’s Rebellion in real time. Each program portrays the complexities of the rebellion through first-person perspectives describing the hopes, fears, and consequences each faced during and after the uprising. The Unfolding Rebellion series presents the events of the rebellion as they occurred, as tensions flamed over the course of several months and fizzled after the death of the rebellion’s charismatic leader. Join us to learn more about the most significant event in Virginia’s colonial history that most have never heard of.

The Governor’s Counsel, Late June 1676: Violence has escalated along the frontier and the governor has been blamed for his inaction. Nathaniel Bacon has formed an illegal militia and gone on a killing spree against Native people – friend and foe alike. What is the governor to do? Governor Berkeley has attempted to see calm restored to Virginia, but Bacon again demanded a commission to fight against Native peoples in the west. Forced into a corner, the Governor agreed to Bacon’s demands, but now is faced with a full-blown insurrection. Governor Berkeley turns to his most trusted counselor. How will he gain back control of the country?

This program is supported by The Jamestowne Society.