The Library of Virginia is pleased to announce the completion of the

Legislative Petitions Database. Over 25,000 petitions were entered

into the database between 2001 and 2007 and are available to search

through the Library of Virginia's website at:


http://www.lva.lib.va.us/whatwehave/gov/petitions/



Petitions to the General Assembly were the primary catalyst for

legislation in the Commonwealth from 1776 until 1865. Public

improvements, military claims, divorce, manumission of slaves,

division of counties, incorporation of towns, religious freedom, and

taxation were just some of the concerns expressed in these petitions.

The petitions often contain hundreds of signatures and are a useful

tool in genealogical research. Frequently, the petitions contain

supplementary support documents useful in research, including maps,

wills, naturalizations, deeds, resolutions, affidavits, judgments, and

other items.