THE REVOLUTIONARY SHORE: A New Constitution for Virginia

By Kellee Blake

June 29, 1776  

On this very day, 250 years ago . . . 

Williamsburg rocked with power and energy as remarkable news poured from the Capitol Building: the Fifth Virginia Convention had resolved for independence with a new constitution! Among the 132 daring Virginia representatives were Shore leaders Southy Simpson and Isaac Smith (Accomack County) and Northampton County’s Nathaniel Littleton Savage and George Savage. These Shoremen were founders of the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

The Virginia Constitution of 1776 (https://encyclopediavirginia.org/primary-documents/the-constitution-of-virginia-1776)  emphasized the power of the people. It established an Executive Branch consisting of a Governor/Council and delegates chose Patrick Henry as governor. From this point forward, Virginia would have a bicameral “General Assembly” consisting of the Senate and the House of Delegates. The new Constitution insisted that legislative, executive, and judicial powers should be separate and distinct.  It also outlined civil versus military authorities. 

Section 16 prohibited the establishment of a state religion and insisted on the free exercise thereof “according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.” The language of the Virginia Constitution and the June 12 Declaration of Rights drafted by George Mason proved instrumental in the crafting of our national language. 

On June 29, 1776, the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia briefly adjourned so Congressional delegates could review the draft Declaration submitted by Thomas Jefferson and the “Committee of Five” (Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston).  Would Congress, could Congress agree?  The work was far from over and, oh, what a week it would be!

Join WESR on the 4th of each month to learn more about Virginia and the Shore’s role in the War for Independence.  America’s 250th Anniversary is here!