Near Orange in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Elder John Leland
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
1. Elder John Leland Marker
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. It is at the intersection of Constitution Highway (State Highway 20) and
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Virginia and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 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); a different marker also named 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); Historical Rapidan Virginia (approx. 4.7 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. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 27, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. A Baptist Preacher and The First Amendment. (Submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
2. Elder John Leland Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
3. Rededication Stone
of
Leland-Madison Monumental Park
religious freedom for all
October 4, 1953
Orange County Jaycees
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,593 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
