Near Orange in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Elder John Leland
the Baptist Doctrine
Ardent advocate of the principles
of democracy
Vindicator of separation
of church and state.
Near this spot in 1788, elder John Leland and James Madison, the father of the American Constitution, held a significant interview which resulted in the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia. Then Madison, a member of Congress from Orange, presented the First Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing religious liberty, free speech, and a free press. This satisfied Leland and his Baptist followers.
Presented by Eugene Bucklin Dowden, President, Berkshire County, Massachusetts Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
Erected by Berkshire County, Massachusetts Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #04 James Madison, and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1788.
Location. 38° 15.457′ N, 78° 0.686′ W. Marker is near Orange, Virginia, in Orange County. Marker is at the intersection of Constitution Highway (State Highway 20) and Clifton Road (County Route 628), on the right when traveling west on Constitution Highway. Located in Leland-Madison Monumental Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orange VA 22960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Campaign of Second Manassas (within shouting distance of this marker); Bloomsbury (approx. 2.3 miles away); Isabella Lightfoot Training School (approx. 3.1 miles away); Lee's Headquarters (approx. 3.6 miles away); Locust Grove (approx. 4.6 miles away); Campaign of 1781 (approx. 4.7 miles away); Town of Orange (approx. 5.4 miles away); Orange County Visitor Center (approx. 5.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orange.
More about this marker. The marker displays a relief portrait of John Leland.
Also see . . .
1. John Leland on Separation of Church and State. (Submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. A Baptist Preacher and The First Amendment. (Submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,929 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.