Historic Jamestowne to commemorate Bacon's Rebellion in September with educational walking tours, immersive programs

Ordinary citizens were aggrieved that the governor seemingly sided with Virginia Indians over increasingly violent land disputes as the English colonists moved west. (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation)

JAMESTOWN – Jamestown historians are reflecting on the anniversary of Bacon’s Rebellion this month, nearly 350 years after the history-altering incident took place.

The events surrounding the rebellion peaked on the night of September 19, 1676, when rebels led by Nathaniel Bacon marched on the capital, burning it to the ground.

The group was trying to overthrow the government of Sir William Berkeley, a wealthy planter who was perceived to be too accommodating to Indigenous tribal nations as the colonists moved further west.

Why it matters: The rebellion ended after Bacon’s death, American patriots came to view the events as a symbol of the power of the common man.

Upcoming events: Historic Jamestowne is commemorating Bacon’s Rebellion throughout the month of September with in-depth walking tours every Saturday. The walks retrace the most important sites of the rebellion at Jamestown and analyze the complex cultural context of local history.

Additional special programming will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, including two immersive living history programs, educational tours and historic trades demonstrations. All events are included with admission to the Preservation Virginia portions of Historic Jamestowne.

For more information or a full schedule of events, visit historicjamestowne.org.