The Burning of Jamestown
The Rebellion
In August 1676, Nathaniel Bacon and his supporters made plans to increase their forces on the frontier in order to fight against all Native Americans in Virginia. Bacon promised freedom to the men who supported his cause. More than 500 men joined him, including many Black and white indentured servants and Black enslaved people. Governor Berkeley fled Jamestown as the rebellion grew. To gain support, Berkeley traveled throughout Virginia to recruit men and returned to Jamestown to issue a final proclamation condemning Bacon.
In response, Bacon and his supporters entered Jamestown on September 19 and set the town on fire. However, in October, Bacon suddenly became ill and died. Without his leadership, the rebellion quickly collapsed. William Berkeley died not long after.
A 1905 illustration of the burning of Jamestown.
