This Day in History

On Saturday, Dave and I attended the kick-off of the VA250, Virginia’s celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the events leading to American Independence. I learned a lot about the role the county where I live played in our history.

I remember hearing in school the story of the shots that rang out on Lexington Green on 19 April 1775 when 77 colonists faced off against 700 British soldiers, leaving eight militia dead and nine wounded. After a brief skirmish, the British retreated to Concord to gather hidden supplies. They were met at the old North Bridge by Colonial militia, and a firefight ensued. As the British pulled back to Boston, they were confronted by guerilla units along the way. By the end of the day, the British suffered 273 casualties, and the colonial forces 93.

This action was known as the shot heard ‘round the world. But as we learned on Saturday, the beginning occurs months before that fateful day. Created in 1772 from Botetourt County, Virginia, Fincastle County once stretched all the way to the Mississippi River. It has since been carved into other states and smaller Virginia counties, none of which now bear the name.

After the issuance of the Intolerable Acts in 1774 as punitive measures following the Boston Tea Party, tensions between the British Parliament and the colonists escalated. Organizations such as the Committees of Safety sprang up as part of a broader network of self-governance in the colonies. The men elected to the committees played a crucial role in enforcing the rule of the Continental Congress and rejecting the policies laid out by the British Parliament.

On 20 January 1775, fifteen men of the Fincastle County Committee of Safety met near Leadmines in modern Wythe County. Led by three local men, Colonel William Christian, Major William Ingles, and Captain Stephen Trigg, they were the first to commit on paper to fight for their rights.

The document begins with an expression of loyalty to King George III and a commitment to the authority of the Crown. They emphasize the colonists’ belief as loyal British subjects in their inherent rights to liberty, property, and the rule of law.

However, the document goes on to condemn what they consider Parliamentary overreach in the recent Acts and rejects that body’s right to tax the colonies without given consent. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘No taxation without Representation.’ The men further pledged their support for the Continental Congress established in 1774 to address their grievances.

Then, the men go even further, resolving a commitment to armed resistance if required. They boldly declare their willingness to take up arms to defend their rights and liberties, a significant step.

The resolutions end with, “These are our real, though unpolished sentiments, of liberty and loyalty, and in them we are resolved to live and die. We are, Gentlemen, with the most perfect esteem and regard, your most obedient servant.”

The signatures of the men follow: Reverend Charles Cummings, Colonel William Preston, Colonel William Christian, Captain Stephen Trigg, Major Arthur Campbell, Major William Inglis, Captain Walter Crockett, Captain John Montgomery, Captain James McGavock, Captain William Campbell, Captain Thomas Madison, Captain Daniel Smith, Captain William Russell, Captain Evan Shelby and Lieutenant William Edmondson.

Once signed, Colonel William Christian mounted his horse and rode for Williamsburg, where the articles were published in the Gazette. The original document no longer exists but is preserved through that publication in the paper.

Afterward, Colonel Christian spent time in Scotchtown with his kinsman, Patrick Henry. In that man’s words, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” spoken two months later in March 1775, can you hear the echoes of the men of Fincastle?

I hope you learned something as I did. For the next 18 months, I shall be learning more about our history and heritage as I take part in the events of the VA250. I hope you’ll join me.