On June 6, 1774, in Dumfries, the Prince William County seat, residents and merchants met and passed six resolves supporting the people of Boston and calling for an economic boycott of British goods. Their action came six months after the Boston Tea Party and after the British Parliament closed the port of Boston, which angry American colonists saw as an overaction by a distant government. Virginia's colonial representatives in the House of Burgesses had planned to support Boston, but before they could act, the colonial governor Earl of Dunmore dissolved the legislative body. Angered by the governor's actions, many local communities were determined to voice their displeasure publicly, and Dumfries was one of them. Published in numerous newspapers, the Prince William Resolves were one of the first acts in Virginia against British rule.

Photo: T. Elizabeth Renich

Photo: Kevin W.

Photo: T. Elizabeth Renich