Teacher Resource Packet
The Burning of Norfolk: Loyalists, Patriots, and the Cost of Revolution
Norfolk, VA
Students examine the burning of Norfolk on January 1, 1776 — one of the most destructive events of the Revolution in the South — and analyze who was responsible and why. The complex story of who burned Norfolk (British ships, loyalists, and eventually patriot militia) challenges students to think beyond simple hero-villain narratives.
This Packet Includes
- Learning Objectives & Essential Questions
- 5 Primary Source Analysis Worksheets
- 3 Reading & Activity Handouts
- Assessment Quiz (5 questions)
- Answer Key
Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
- Describe the sequence of events that led to the burning of Norfolk and identify the multiple parties responsible
- Explain what loyalism was and why Norfolk had a large loyalist population
- Analyze Dunmore's Proclamation and assess its significance for both the loyalist community and enslaved Virginians
- Evaluate the human cost of the burning and connect it to broader patterns of civilian suffering in the Revolution
Essential Questions
Keep these questions in mind as you work through this packet:
- Norfolk was burned by British ships, loyalists, AND patriot militia. Does that complicate the story of the Revolution? How do we decide who was responsible?
- Why were some Virginians loyalists? What did they have to lose by supporting independence?
Analysis Questions
Read the document carefully, then answer each question in complete sentences.
Who created this source and why?
When was this source created?
What perspective does this source represent?
What was happening when this was written?
How might the author's position affect their account?
Reflection
How does this source connect to what happened in Norfolk, VA? What does it tell you about the people involved?
General Woodford to the Virginia Committee of Safety, January 4, 1776
Analysis Questions
Read the document carefully, then answer each question in complete sentences.
Who created this source and why?
When was this source created?
What perspective does this source represent?
What was happening when this was written?
How might the author's position affect their account?
Reflection
How does this source connect to what happened in Norfolk, VA? What does it tell you about the people involved?
Analysis Questions
Read the document carefully, then answer each question in complete sentences.
Who created this source and why?
When was this source created?
What perspective does this source represent?
What was happening when this was written?
How might the author's position affect their account?
Reflection
How does this source connect to what happened in Norfolk, VA? What does it tell you about the people involved?
Virginia Gazette: Reports on the Burning of Norfolk, January-March 1776
Analysis Questions
Read the document carefully, then answer each question in complete sentences.
Who created this source and why?
When was this source created?
What perspective does this source represent?
What was happening when this was written?
How might the author's position affect their account?
Reflection
How does this source connect to what happened in Norfolk, VA? What does it tell you about the people involved?
Analysis Questions
Read the document carefully, then answer each question in complete sentences.
Who created this source and why?
When was this source created?
What perspective does this source represent?
What was happening when this was written?
How might the author's position affect their account?
Reflection
How does this source connect to what happened in Norfolk, VA? What does it tell you about the people involved?
Norfolk Event Timeline
timeline
Students place key events in chronological order and add details
# Norfolk Revolutionary Timeline
Instructions: Place the following events in order and add one detail about each.
- [ ] Lord Dunmore's Proclamation
- [ ] Burning of Norfolk
- [ ] Formation of Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment
- [ ] Dunmore's Floating Government on the Chesapeake
- [ ] Battle of Great Bridge
---
| Event | Date | Significance |
|-------|------|-------------|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Primary Source Analysis
graphic organizer
Structured analysis of Revolutionary-era documents
# Primary Source Analysis Worksheet
## Source Information
- Title: _________________
- Author: _________________
- Date: _________________
- Type: _________________
## Observation
What do you notice? (List 3 things)
1.
2.
3.
## Reflection
What do you wonder? (List 2 questions)
1.
2.
## Analysis
What does this source tell us about Norfolk during the Revolution?
_______________________________________________
## Perspective
Whose voice is represented? Whose might be missing?
_______________________________________________
Key Figures Profile
worksheet
Research template for Revolutionary figures
# Revolutionary Figure Profile
## Basic Information
- Name: _________________
- Birth/Death Years: _________________
- Occupation(s): _________________
## Role in the Revolution
### Lord Dunmore
Virginia's last royal governor, who issued the proclamation offering freedom to enslaved people who joined the British — a measure that enraged patriot Virginia and deepened the colony's commitment to independence. Dunmore directed the bombardment of Norfolk from his ships on January 1, 1776, before eventually withdrawing from Virginia entirely.
My questions about this person:
1.
2.
### Refugees Who Answered Dunmore's Proclamation
Approximately 800 to 2,000 enslaved people reached Dunmore's lines after his November 1775 proclamation, though many more attempted the journey. Those who arrived were organized into the "Ethiopian Regiment" and saw combat at Great Bridge. Smallpox ravaged the refugees, and most did not survive the war. Their stories are largely unrecorded.
My questions about this person:
1.
2.
## Reflection
Which figure interests you most and why?
_______________________________________________
Norfolk in the American Revolution
Answer the following questions based on our study of Revolutionary history.
1. What makes Norfolk significant in Revolutionary history?
2. Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.
3. Name one event that occurred in Norfolk during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.
Answer:
4. Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when studying history?
5. Describe one connection between this town and another Revolutionary-era town we discussed.
Answer:
Norfolk in the American Revolution
The Burning of Norfolk: Loyalists, Patriots, and the Cost of Revolution — Norfolk, VA
- 1.What makes Norfolk significant in Revolutionary history?Answer:A
Norfolk played a significant role in the American Revolution as evidenced by the events we studied.
- 2.Primary sources are documents or objects created during the time period being studied.Answer:True
Primary sources provide firsthand evidence about historical events.
- 3.Name one event that occurred in Norfolk during the Revolutionary period and explain its significance.Answer:[Varies - accept any accurate event with reasonable explanation]
Students should identify a specific event and connect it to broader Revolutionary themes.
- 4.Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when studying history?Answer:A
Multiple perspectives help us understand the full complexity of historical events.
- 5.Describe one connection between this town and another Revolutionary-era town we discussed.Answer:[Varies - accept any accurate connection]
Students should demonstrate understanding of the interconnected nature of Revolutionary events.