Culpeper, Thomas Culpeper, 2d Baron

Culpeper, Thomas Culpeper, 2d Baron (kŭl'pep"ur) [key], 1635–89, English colonial governor of Virginia. In 1673, with the earl of Arlington, he was granted all lands in Virginia not previously patented. In addition, Culpeper was granted (1675) the right of succession to the governorship of Virginia and soon replaced Sir William Berkeley. He remained in England and ruled through deputies until 1680, when Charles II required him to go in person to Virginia. His general pardon of all those who had participated in Bacon's Rebellion made him popular for a brief time, but after about four months he returned to England. When disturbances arising out of the low price of tobacco broke out in the colony, he was threatened with removal unless he remained in Virginia. During his second stay (1682–83) Culpeper hanged some of the planters who had destroyed tobacco plants and quarreled violently with the burgesses. Upon leaving the colony again in 1683 he was deprived of the governorship. However, in 1688 he procured from James II a renewal in perpetuity of his vast Northern Neck proprietary (see Fairfax of Cameron, Thomas Fairfax, 6th Baron).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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