Origin of Lynch Law

Origin of Lynch Law (HM18GA)

Location: Altavista, VA 24517 Campbell County
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Country: United States of America
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N 37° 7.75', W 79° 16.105'

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Inscription
During the Revolutionary War, loyalists in theVirginia backcountry periodically conspiredagainst the Revolutionary authorities. ColonelsCharles Lynch, James Callaway, and other militiaofficers and county justices formed extralegalcourts to punish them, which were "not strictlywarranted by law." "Lynch's Law," or lynching, assuch punishment has been called, did not at firstinclude hanging. According to local tradition,accused loyalists were tied to a large black walnuttree here at Lynch's home, Green Level, and whipped,not hanged. In contrast with the lynchings thatbegan the next century, legally appointed officialsmeted out "Lynch's law" mostly with fines andjail terms. Later, the Virginia General Assemblypassed acts protecting Lynch and his associatesfrom prosecution for their activities.
Details
HM NumberHM18GA
Tags
Marker NumberL-30
Year Placed1997
Placed ByDepartment of Historic Resources
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Thursday, September 11th, 2014 at 10:59pm PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)17S E 653814 N 4110604
Decimal Degrees37.12916667, -79.26841667
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 37° 7.75', W 79° 16.105'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds37° 7' 45.00" N, 79° 16' 6.30" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)434
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 1513 Main St, Altavista VA 24517, US
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