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 panic among enslavers who feared revolt and resulting in the forced displacement of Black families and the eventual re-enslavement or death of many when the British evacuated.

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 panic among enslavers who feared revolt and resulting in the forced displacement of Black families and the eventual re-enslavement or death of many when the British evacuated.