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Naturalization Records for Virginians

Virginia Naturalizations, 1773–1790

Overview

The British Parliament passed an act in 1773 prohibiting the governments in the American colonies from passing any naturalization acts on their own, which the colonists, in turn, protested in the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

In its session of 3 May 1779, the General Assembly passed an act "declaring who shall be deemed citizens of this commonwealth," which was defined as white individuals who were born in Virginia or had lived there for two years (Hening, 10:129). To become citizens, individuals were required to give proof, by oath, that they intended to live in Virginia. Applicants also assured the court of their fidelity to the commonwealth. The clerk of court recorded the oath and issued the applicant a certificate. Citizenship in another country could be relinquished verbally in court or by a deed recorded in court. 

In its October 1786 session, the General Assembly passed an act requiring clerks of the court to annually transmit to the governor a list of persons who had taken the oath of naturalization (Hening, 12:261). Some of these reports may be found in the incoming correspondence to the governor; however, such reports were sporadic at best.

Records

Court Records

Governors' Records

  • Office of the Governor, Letters Received, Record Group 3