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There Was “A Perfect Frenzy” in Virginia Beach 250 Years Ago

Try to imagine what it was like in Virginia Beach (then Princess Anne County) 250 years ago. Residents had to decide if their loyalties were to King George and England or to their Virginia home. Virginia’s Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, brought British troops and a regiment of formerly enslaved recruits here to suppress rebellion and bully locals into oaths of loyalty.

When the local militia stood up to Dunmore at Kemps Landing (Kempsville) in November 1775, they were overmatched and the first Patriots to die in battle in revolutionary Virginia happened there. Dunmore issued a proclamation at Kemps Landing offering freedom to enslaved persons that would fight for King George, creating a different dimension to what revolution, independence, and freedom might mean for Virginians.

Author Andrew Lawler is presenting his account of these events and more on February 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Miller Studio at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market Street in Town Center.
Lawler’s new book, A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis that Spurred the American Revolution, recounts the events of 250 years ago and the Revolutionary War unfolding in southeastern Virginia. You will want to attend to hear the fascinating story about pivotal events that occurred here and changed the course of history. Reservations are recommended.
The presentation is sponsored by the Virginia Beach VA250 Committee. and is free and open to the public.
Copies of A Perfect Frenzy will be available for purchase and Lawler will be signing books after his presentation.
Cost: Free and open to the Public
Reserve your seat today at https://culture.virginiabeach.gov/1082.
For more information, call 757-385-8573.