Author: Virginia Convention of 1861

PRIMARY DOCUMENT

Virginia Ordinance of Secession (April 17, 1861)

The Virginia Ordinance of Secession, dated April 17, 1861, declares that the bond between Virginia and the United States of America, under the U.S. Constitution, is dissolved. Delegates at the Virginia Convention of 1861 voted 88–55 to approve the ordinance on April 17 and a statewide referendum confirmed secession on May 23.