1775

Lord Dunmore's Proclamation and Forced Displacement of Black Virginians

Virginia, VA

Lord Dunmore's Proclamation and Forced Displacement of Black Virginians

Lord Dunmore's Proclamation and Forced Displacement of Black Virginians

On November 7, 1775, Virginia's royal governor Lord Dunmore issued a proclamation offering freedom to enslaved people and indentured servants owned by rebels if they joined the British army. This triggered a mass exodus of approximately 1,200 to 30,000 enslaved individuals from Patriot homes to British lines, causing …

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