The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Cardinal News has embarked on a three-year project to tell the little-known stories of Virginia’s role in the march to independence. As part of this, I will be writing monthly columns about the politics of the era, written the same way I’d write them today. The events described here took place in May 1765.
This project is supported, in part, by a grant from the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission . You can sign up to receive a free monthly newsletter with updates.
Virginia has now put itself crosswise with the crown, all thanks to a tiny stamp — and a big objection from a brand-new legislator who seems destined to make more trouble for London.
There were few members in the chamber in Williamsburg when newly elected Patrick Henry of Louisa County introduced his provocative “Virginia Resolves” against the Stamp Act that the British parliament has imposed on the colonies, but the House of Burgesses passed it anyway — temporarily, at least.