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. Over the winter, Nathaniel Bacon formed an illegal militia and went on a killing spree against Native people – friend and foe alike. In an attempt to restore calm, Gov. Berkeley declared Bacon a rebel and attempted to re-establish peace with the neighboring tribes. However, in May, Bacon was elected as a burgesses for Henrico County and is making his way to Jamestown. With the Governor now fearing the possibility of a full-blown insurrection, he turns to his most trusted counselor. How will he gain back control of the country?

This program is supported by The Jamestowne Society.