Bacon's Epitaph

Time Period
1623 to 1763
Topics
Politics & Government
Image
VHE_BaconsEpitaph_Mss2.C8295.BaconsEpitaph_e.jpg

Bacon's Epitaph (VMHC Mss2 C8295 a 1)

"Bacon's Epitaph, made by his Man" is called the first American poem, and eulogizes Nathaniel Bacon, leader of Bacon's Rebellion in 1675–76. Some historians interpret the rebellion as a proto-democratic movement against Governor Berkeley's autocratic regime. Others see it as merely a pretext to seize Indian land.