John Leland Marker

Near Orange, Orange County, Virginia

Inscription:
Courageous Leader of
the Baptist Doctrine
Ardent Advocate of the Principles
of Democracy
Vindicator of Separation
of Church and State.

Near this spot in 1788, elder John Leland and
James Madison, the father of the American
Constitution, held a significant interview
which resulted in the adoption of the
Constitution by Virginia. Then Madison,
a member of Congress from Orange, presented
the First Amendment to the Constitution
guaranteeing religious liberty, free speech, and
a free press. This satisfied Leland and his
Baptist followers.

Presented by Eugene Bucklin Dowden, President,
Berkshire County, Massachusetts Chapter,
Sons of the American Revolution.

Erected by Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
Photo by Craig Swan.
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