Elizabeth City in Pasquotank County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Culpeper’s Rebellion

Culpepper's Rebellion Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Laura Troy, October 1, 2007

1. Culpepper's Rebellion Marker

Inscription. Culpeper and Durant led a Revolt against British trade laws, seized the government 1672, 2 mi SE.

Erected 1940. (Marker Number A-21.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Division of Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1672.

Location. 36° 17.886′ N, 76° 13.135′ W. Marker is in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in Pasquotank County. Marker is on South Water Street near East Church Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elizabeth City NC 27909, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 400 feet away); Battle of Elizabeth City (about 400 feet away); Pasquotank River (about 500 feet away); A Town Divided (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Wright Brothers in the Albemarle (about 500 feet away); Soybean Processing (about 700 feet away); J. C. B. Ehringhaus (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabeth City.

Regarding Culpeper’s Rebellion.

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Culpeper’s Rebellion took place in 1677–1678 in Albemarle County (what is now Pasquotank County). The rebellion was in response a variety of complaints about the government, but arose primarily as a reaction to the Navigation Acts imposed on the colonies by England. At the time, North Carolina was ruled by eight Lords Proprietors. The government in North Carolina consisted of the following: the Governor; the Council, half of which was appointed by the Lords Proprietors; and an Assembly elected by popular vote. The Council was powerful while the Assembly was weak.

The people were unhappy with the government. The Proprietors, who paid little heed to the increasing discontent, kept appointing deputies, and the people saw this as a way for the Proprietors to continue to limit the people’s privileges. With the passage in England of the Navigation Acts, resentment for the Proprietors grew. The Navigation Acts regulated the shipping of goods, and many of the acts passed imposed duties or taxes on items shipped between colonies.

In 1672, Governor Peter Carteret traveled to England to try and convince the Proprietors that they should not enforce the new laws. His attempt failed. Tensions ran high between two factions that existed in Albemarle. The three opposition leaders were John Culpeper, John Jenkins, and George Durant. John Miller, one of the supporters

Mariners' Wharf image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Laura Troy, October 1, 2007

2. Mariners' Wharf

of the Proprietors, was appointed secretary and collector of the duties. He later became acting governor. He abused his power by tampering with local elections and imposing heavy fines on colonists.

Finally, the opposition had had enough. Durant, Culpeper, and some armed supporters captured and imprisoned Miller. They arrested other officials and eventually seized the reins of government. For two years, the colonists enjoyed peace and the government ran more smoothly. The Proprietors summoned Culpeper to England, where he was arrested and charged with treason. He was put on trial, but he was found not guilty, marking the end of the rebellion.

References:
• Hugh F. Rankin, Upheaval in Albemarle: The Story of Culpeper’s Rebellion, 1675-1689 (1962)
• Mattie Erma E. Parker, “Legal Aspects of Culpeper’s Rebellion,” North Carolina Historical Review (April 1968): 111–127
• William S. Powell, ed., Encyclopedia of North Carolina (2006)—sketch by Lindley S. Butler
• Elizabeth City & Pasquotank County website page on Culpeper’s Rebellion: http://www.elizcity.com/history/culpepers-rebellion.shtml
• William S. Smith, Jr., “Culpeper’s Rebellion: New Data and Old Problems” (M.A. thesis, North Carolina State University, 1990), available at: http://gen.culpepper.com/historical/rebellion/default.htm
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Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. This page has been viewed 7,516 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2007, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.