Gibbs Rebellion facts for kids

Gibbs's Rebellion was a short uprising that happened in the Carolina Colony in 1690. It was a disagreement over who should be in charge as governor. This event shows how early colonies sometimes struggled with leadership and rules.

What Was Gibbs's Rebellion?

Gibbs's Rebellion was a conflict in the Carolina Colony in 1690. It happened because two people, Captain John Gibbs and Colonel Philip Ludwell, both claimed they should be the governor. This dispute caused some unrest until the true leaders of the colony stepped in.

Who Ruled the Carolina Colony?

During the time of Gibbs's Rebellion, the Carolina Colony was owned by a group called the Lord Proprietors. They were like the landlords of the colony. Carolina was unique because it created special titles of nobility, like "palatines," "landgraves," and "caciques." These titles were given to important people.

The colony had a set of rules called the Fundamental Constitutions of 1669. These rules said that if the governor's job was empty, a noble could take control. This could happen if there was no appointed governor or if a Lord Proprietor wasn't living in the colony.

The Fight for Governor

After the previous governor, Seth Sothe, left his post, the position became open. Captain John Gibbs, who held the title of "cacique" (a type of noble), believed he had the right to become governor. He claimed the job was his because of the rules in the Fundamental Constitutions.

However, the Lord Proprietors, who owned the colony, had other plans. They chose Colonel Philip Ludwell to be the new governor. Ludwell arrived in Carolina in 1690, ready to take his place.

What Happened Next?

When Colonel Ludwell arrived, Captain Gibbs was very unhappy. He disagreed with the Proprietors' choice. Gibbs gathered a group of armed men to support his claim.

This armed group showed up at a local court meeting. During this action, they arrested two important officials called magistrates. They also forced the court to close down. This showed how serious Gibbs was about his claim to be governor.

How the Rebellion Ended

Colonel Ludwell, facing this uprising, asked the Governor of Virginia for help. The Virginia governor suggested that both sides should ask the Lord Proprietors in England for advice.

So, the matter was taken to the Lord Proprietors. After hearing both sides, the Proprietors gave their full support to Colonel Ludwell. This decision effectively ended Gibbs's Rebellion. Captain Gibbs's claim was denied, and Ludwell remained the rightful governor.