Dunmore’s Proclamation: Freedom and Slavery on the Eve of Independence

In 1775, Lord Dunmore, the royal governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation that offered freedom to enslaved people who left their enslavers and joined the British army. Although the proclamation was only applicable in Virginia, Dunmore‘s edict had sweeping consequences on free and enslaved populations across the colonies. Join Noeleen McIlvenna, Wright State University professor who specializes in early American history, for a conversation about Dunmore, his proclamation, and the impact of his words.

Dr. Noeleen McIlvenna grew up in an era of great consternation — The Troubles in Northern Ireland. She now teaches colonial American History at Wright State University, Dayton OH, including graduate level courses on the American Revolution. She specializes in the southern colonies and has published three books on the colonial era sinc e receiving her PhD from Duke University.