Edenton Ladies’ Agreement (1774)

Introduction

Fifty-one women from Edenton, North Carolina signed an agreement boycotting British tea. They called themselves the Edenton Ladies Patriotic Guild, and their action advanced awareness in the colonies for “no taxation without representation.” Some consider it the first organized female political activity in the colonies, and it gained attention in America and in the United Kingdom.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• Have you ever heard of The Edenton Ladies’ Agreement? How does it impact your understanding of the revolutionary moment?
• Do you have a favorite, lesser-known historical moment that you share with friends and family?
• In your lifetime, how has the price of food and goods influenced your own political perspective?

Consider recording a few thoughts about what you learned!

Edenton Ladies’ Agreement

Edenton, North Carolina, Oct. 25, 1774.

As we cannot be indifferent on any occasion that appears nearly to affect the peace and happiness of our country, and as it has been thought necessary, for the public good, to enter into several particular resolves by a meeting of Members deputed from the whole Province, it is a duty which we owe, not only to our near and dear connections who have concurred in them, but to ourselves who are essentially interested in their welfare, to do every thing as far as lies in our power to testify our sincere adherence to the same; and we do therefore accordingly subscribe this paper, as a witness of our fixed intention and solemn determination to do so.

Source: “Edenton, North Carolina October 25, 1774.” Virginia Gazette, November 3, 1774. Colonial Williamsburg.